McDowell accused of misleading Dáil on gun meetings

JUSTICE Minister Michael McDowell has been accused of misleading the Dáil over claims he met with representatives of shooting organisations to discuss amendments to firearms legislation.

Two organisations that represent a large number of firearm certificate holders said they have not met the minister for nearly two years.

The minister was asked in the Dáil why he had not met with one of the groups, the National Association of Regional Game Councils (NARGC), over changes to firearms legislation contained in the Criminal Justice Bill published in July.

Mr McDowell said he and officials of his department had previously met with certificate holders. He said his department had asked for views of the public and more bill amendments would be made as it passed through the Oireachtas.

“In this context, officials of my department can again meet with representatives of the NARGC to hear their views,” the minister said.

But an angry NARGC director, Des Crofton, said: “How dare the minister use my association to grossly mislead the Dáil in this manner? No such meeting has ever taken place. In fact, Minister McDowell has continuously declined to meet NARGC representatives in the context of this bill and other amendments to the Firearms Acts.” The National Rifle Association agrees with the accusation.

Members last met the minister in November 2002. The accusations were put to the department yesterday. No reply was issued.