McDowell to crack down on suppliers of illegal fireworks

JUSTICE Minister Michael McDowell last night signalled a major offensive against importers and suppliers of illegal fireworks.

He plans a range of hefty fines on people who possess and sell fireworks for commercial gain.

"I don't think it makes sense to haul young children before the courts," he said.

At present, the maximum fine for any breach of the law relating to fireworks is a derisory €6.35 a penalty that has not changed in 130 years ago.

"My aim is to ensure that a robust legal enforcement regime is put in place which will fully protect the public from the misuse of fireworks and I commend the work of the gardaí in successfully confiscating illegal fireworks," Mr McDowell said.

A public opinion survey conducted this month for the Department of Juctice supports the current ban on the import and sale of fireworks to the general public.

Only organised events, such as Dublin Skyfest, undertaken by professional operators are given licences.

A total ban on bangers a popular Halloween firework is backed by two-thirds of adults, according to the department's survey.

Official figures show a 529% increase in the number of illegal fireworks seized in the past four years.

Injuries caused by exploding fireworks have put 91 people in hospital over the same period.

Last year, gardaí seized 36,223 individual fireworks worth €408,890, compared with 5,759 items seized in 2000.

Mr McDowell's announcement followed a call by Fine Gael justice spokesman Jim O'Keeffe for "a complete overhaul" of fireworks legislation.

"Huge quantities of fireworks are set off at Halloween, most of them illegally imported and many of them clearly of a dangerous quality," Mr O'Keeffe said.

"Every year, these sub-standard and illegal fireworks cause serious injuries, and many people end up in hospital. Almost 70% of the injuries were to males under the age of 20, and 40% of them were burns," he said.

Mr O'Keeffe said it made no sense to have an antiquated law that was almost impossible to police and enforce.

Minister McDowell said he intends to create a new offence of possession of illegally imported fireworks with intent to supply.

The Criminal Justice Act 2004 now before the Dáil will also include new offences governing the misuse of fireworks in public places.