Call to reinstate firearms forum
There was previously a firearms consultative panel comprised of various firearms interest groups which the department consulted.
The holders of licensed firearms play an important role in rural life and should have a voice in related discussions on regulations and legislation, the Senate was told.
Senator Eileen Lynch (FG) said farmers and hunters use licensed firearms to control vermin and tackle predators, protect crops, livestock and poultry and protect habitats and biodiversity.
In addition, game hunting is an important cultural and recreational pursuit in rural Ireland, evidenced by the enduring presence of more than 1,000-gun clubs with about 25,000 members.
“Just as licensed firearms use is important to the economic, social and cultural life of rural Ireland, licensed firearms users are important stakeholders, who should have a voice when it comes to debates and discussions on firearms regulation in Ireland,” she said.
Senator Lynch, who is from Aghabullogue, Co Cork, said many rural groups representing licensed firearm users have expressed concerns about inconsistencies in the interpretation and implementation of firearms legislation.
One would imagine these groups would be able to bring these concerns to the table and have discussions with the Department of Justice and An Garda SĂochána, but this forum does not exist.
There was previously a firearms consultative panel comprised of various firearms interest groups which the department consulted.
However, this panel has not met since 2019, covering the lifetime of the previous government, which is disappointing for those involved in this industry.
Twelve months ago, rural stakeholder groups were told by the department the need for more regular and structured engagement between policymakers and firearms users would be explored.
A year later, there has still been zero progress on this. However, there has been progress by the rural stakeholder group, she said.
Senator Lynch said this coalition includes the National Association of Regional Game Councils, the Irish Deer Commission, IFA, ICMSA, ICSA and INHFA.
They have come together to develop proposals for a membership structure and terms of references for a new permanent stakeholders’ forum for licensed firearms holders.
These proposals have been submitted to the Department of Justice. The groups are still awaiting a response.
“Rural firearms holders should have a seat at the table and in this case, the first job is to bring back the table and allow discussions to happen,” she said.
Minister of State at the Department of Justice Colm Brophy said three regional firearms forums took place in February.
They were held jointly by the department and the firearms policy unit of An Garda SĂochána. About 20 firearms dealers attended each forum.
Updates on forthcoming legislation were presented, followed by a discussion and a question-and-answer session.
All three meetings were deemed to be very beneficial and informative for both the participants and the organisers.
Mr Brophy said reform of the firearms licensing system had been under consideration by the Department of Justice for a number of years and extensive consultation was undertaken.
In 2022, a non-statutory advisory body — the firearms expert committee — was established to provide guidance on matters related to firearms licensing in the State.
Following the delivery of the committee's report in March 2023, a consultation was launched online that May to ensure stakeholder organisations and their members could engage fully in the process.
The then minister of state and departmental officials met with a number of firearms organisations. Prior to all of this, a non-statutory forum called the Firearms Consultative Panel (FCP) was established.
It comprised various firearms interest groups, such as the National Association of Regional Game Councils, the Irish Country Sports Association, the National Association of Sporting Rifle and Pistol Clubs, and the IFA.
Mr Brophy said the panel last met in 2019, when it is understood a breakdown in relations between some of the major firearms interest groups occurred.
This meant it was not possible for any further meetings to take place and, in effect, put the FCP into abeyance.
It remains the intention of minister for justice Jim O’Callaghan that any proposed changes to policy would be subject to prior consultation with firearms stakeholders.
“In addition, if there are any changes to EU legislation, which we are obliged to implement, all stakeholders will be informed as a matter of course,” he said.
