Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 June 2014
93. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason members of the public apply who for firearms licences are not issued with receipts from a garda or superintendent; if she sees merit in changing this policy to ensure that there will be no confusion regarding lost documents in the future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24058/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can inform the Deputy that an application for a firearms certificate is forwarded to the local Garda station of the applicant. Details of the application are then entered onto the Garda PULSE system, after which a letter of receipt of the application is automatically printed and then posted to the applicant from the local District Office. This letter of receipt is signed by the issuing person.
The issue of a receipt at the time of lodging an application for a firearms certificate (rather than at the time details of the application are entered onto the PULSE system) is one of a number of issues in relation to the firearms licensing system which has been raised by a coalition of "shooting" interest groups. It is being considered as part of a joint review of firearms licensing being carried out by my Department and An Garda Síochána.
