Combating Firearms Trafficking and other Firearms-Related Offences: Motion
Seanad Éireann — 2026-06-17
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Robbie Gallagher (FF), Labour Panel

Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire. I welcome our good friends from Roscommon to the House this afternoon. I promise that I will not mention the football match against Monaghan last weekend. Beidh lá eile acu.
On behalf of Fianna Fáil, I welcome and support the motion the Minister has put forward. The proposed firearms trafficking directive aims to introduce an EU-wide framework with common definitions for firearm offences and penalties, support stronger co-operation between member states and improve the collection and use of data. The proposal is intended to combat illicit firearms trafficking and other firearms-related offences across the EU.
While existing EU legislation regulates the lawful acquisition, possession, import and export of firearms, there is currently no EU-wide framework establishing common criminal offences and penalties for illegal firearms activity. The Commission noted that illicit firearms continue to pose a significant threat to public security, facilitating organised crime, drug trafficking, robbery and gang violence. Emerging risks include the spread of 3D printing technology, which can be used to manufacture firearms, and the potential diversion of weapons from conflicts near the EU into criminal markets.
As the Minister has outlined, the directive aims to harmonise criminal offences and penalties across member states, improve law enforcement and judicial co-operation, strengthen information sharing and address gaps in data collection relating to firearms crime. Key offences covered include the illicit trafficking and manufacturing of firearms, the possession of illicit firearms and ammunition, tampering with firearms markings, and the illegal creation, possession or dissemination of 3D printing blueprints for firearms. Member states will be required to provide for maximum penalties, ranging from at least two years for certain blueprint-related offences to at least eight years for firearms trafficking and illicit manufacture.
As the Minister has outlined, Ireland must decide by 23 June 2026 whether it will opt in and participate in the adoption and application of this directive. The proposal does not alter the existing EU rules governing lawful firearms ownership. It focuses exclusively on criminal offences involving illicit firearms and strengthening the EU's response to firearms trafficking and related criminal activity. As the Minister outlined, we need co-operation across all EU states in order to tackle the threats that exist today. I look forward to this directive moving forward swiftly.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/seanad/2026-06-17/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:55:04+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-06-17