Control of Firearms
Seanad Éireann — 2026-05-12
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Niall Collins (FF), Limerick County

I thank the Senator for raising these issues. I agree with what he has said about inconsistencies in different Garda divisions. One of our aims, and the reason we set up the stakeholder forum, is to try to iron out these issues.
I reiterate that An Garda Síochána is the competent authority for licensing and possession of firearms within the State. Therefore, our Department does not have access to the current firearms licensing digital database. However, the Department is continuing positive communication and consultation on reform of the firearms licensing system with An Garda Síochána. The Department intends to continue stakeholder engagement meetings and the proactive and open engagement that has taken place. Stakeholder organisations are encouraged to make submissions to the meetings, engage with other stakeholders and contribute at the meetings. Any stakeholder organisation that would like to contribute to these engagements is welcome to engage with our Department on the matter.
Various stakeholders expressed their appreciation and satisfaction as to how the series of meetings has progressed does far. They thanked the Department for its willingness to initiate a programme for change and look forward to working with it to achieve a positive outcome.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/seanad/2026-05-12/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:54:55+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-05-12