Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 May 2026
146. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he will confirm that concerns expressed by shotgun owners relating to inconsistencies in the interpretation and implementation of firearms licensing will be addressed in the next phase of engagement arising from the recently convened firearms meetings in Kilmainham; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40396/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra147. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration further to his statement that stakeholder organisations have been encouraged to make submissions to the recently convened firearms meetings in Kilmainham; the reason submissions seeking discussion on concerns over inconsistencies in the interpretation and implementation of firearms licensing were ruled out of order; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40397/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 146 and 147 together.
Reform of the firearms licensing system has been under consideration for a number of years, and extensive consultation has been undertaken. The administration of firearms licensing is complex, governed by both national and European legislation, to which each Member State must adhere. Careful consideration must be given to the potential implications of any contemplated change.
My Department holds meetings with individual firearms organisations on request and engages with firearms stakeholders, including representative firearms organisations, in various ways. An Garda Síochána also meet with firearms stakeholder organisations in respect of relevant matters, and officials from my Department liaise regularly with the Firearms Policy Unit of An Garda Síochána on firearms-related matters.
Throughout 2025 and into this year, my Department organised a series of exploratory meetings with firearms stakeholders in Wicklow, Limerick, Carrick-on-Shannon, Mullingar, and most recently in Dublin. The purpose of these meetings is to provide a mechanism for ongoing engagement with firearms stakeholders from a broad range of areas within the firearms community, ensuring their valuable insights can be considered in any future policy and legislative changes that may arise.
I can advise the Deputy, that engagement with firearms stakeholders is ongoing; the most recent engagement took place on 28 April 2026, where more than 20 representatives of the firearms community and firearms stakeholder organisations attended a meeting with Department officials. This was the fourth in a series of meetings that have taken place; other meetings also took place on 18 September, 1 December 2025, and 29 January 2026.
These engagements have been positive and constructive. I am aware that a wide range of issues relating to the administration of firearms legislation were raised at these meetings. My Department is currently planning the next phase of stakeholder engagement which will take place over the coming months. This will focus on the issues raised by firearms representatives organisations at the recent engagements and provide an opportunity for further discussion on these important matters. I am advised that submissions on any concerns in relation to firearms licensing can be made directly to my Department as part of this ongoing engagement.
