Emer Currie (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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234. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the quantity of fireworks seized by Gardaí within the Dublin west area in the 2025 Halloween period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66389/25]

Emer Currie (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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235. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality to outline the legislation in place to convict an individual for throwing an ignited firework at a person or property; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66390/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 234 and 235 together.

Government policy restricts the availability of all hazardous fireworks to the general public.

Anyone importing or selling fireworks of any kind must have a licence, and licences are only issued if the fireworks are to be used in organised displays conducted by professional and competent operators.

I can advise the Deputy that the penalties for importing, selling or using unlicensed fireworks are significant and the Criminal Justice Act 2006, specifically Part 6, grants members of An Garda Síochána the power to arrest individuals found with unlicensed fireworks and impose significant penalties, including fines up to €10,000 or up to five years' imprisonment for possession with intent to sell or supply, or for igniting them.

These penalties, which can also apply to those convicted or throwing an ignited firework at a person or property, demonstrate the seriousness attached to breaches of the legislation governing the importation and use of fireworks.

Each year in the run up to Halloween, additional efforts are made by An Garda Síochána to combat the illegal importation, sale and use of fireworks, under what is known as Operation Tombola. Operation Tombola is a national operation.

I am informed by An Garda Síochána that Operation Tombola was actively implemented across the Dublin west area in the lead-up to and during the Halloween period, with each Chief Superintendent overseeing targeted measures to address the sale, supply, and possession of fireworks, as well as anti-social behaviour.

I have been further informed that among the actions incorporated into the Divisional Policing Plans were enhanced patrolling, with increased overt and covert patrols in key areas, including usual gathering locations for young people and areas likely to stockpile bonfire materials.

A key component of Operation Tombola this year has been active engagement with local authorities and partner agencies in each division, and gardaí collaborated closely with these stakeholders to ensure a unified approach to preventing anti-social behaviour during the Halloween period.

I am informed by An Garda Síochána that a total of 25 seizures of fireworks were made in the DMR West Garda Division for the year to date* (*23rd November 2025)