Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 September 2026
357. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if his Department will prepare an impact assessment and transition plan to support those impacted in Ireland by the recent decision of the EU REACH Committee to phase out the use of lead in ammunition. [68714/26]
View answerThe proposed restriction on lead in ammunition is being considered under the EU REACH Regulation, which provides a harmonised framework for the regulation of chemicals across the European Union. Any restriction adopted under REACH applies directly in all Member States and does not require transposition into Irish law.
Policy responsibility for firearms, hunting, sport shooting, wildlife management, and the practical implementation of any lead-ammunition restrictions lie outside the remit of the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment (DETE). DETE administratively coordinates Ireland’s participation in the REACH Committee process. Positions on lead ammunition are developed in consultation with the Departments and agencies responsible for these sectors.
The proposal remains under consideration at EU level and is primarily intended to protect wild birds in the environment as well as hunters and their families from the toxic effects of lead pollution from spent ammunition. These matters are not within DETE’s remit. In this regard the relevant bodies that may have a role would be the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment; the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage; the National Parks and Wildlife Service, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the Department of Justice. Therefore, no impact assessments or transition arrangements are being developed by DETE. Any questions regarding the regulation of firearms, hunting activities or support measures for affected firearm owners are matters for the relevant competent authorities within their respective areas of responsibility.
