Fireworks injure hundreds each year

HUNDREDS of people, many of the children, have been injured by fireworks since the Government first announced a review of 130-year-old legislation governing their use.

The number of firework injuries, including loss of fingers, eye damage and burns, is conservatively estimated at approximately 100 every year. A study by just two Dublin hospitals revealed in one year 19 people were treated in the three weeks running up to Hallowe’en.

The Department of Justice said a review was underway and Justice Minister Michael McDowell plans an early move to amend the 1875 law. However, it has emerged his predecessor John O’Donoghue first announced a review was underway four years ago, in October 2000.

While Mr McDowell said new legislation would increase penalties for the importation, sale and use of fireworks and strengthen the powers of the Gardaí, the original review was meant to also cover the “potential advantages” of legalising their use by individuals in certain circumstances. This would allow control of their quality and use, it was argued.

Under legislation, all fireworks are viewed as explosives and are illegal except when used under licence by pyrotechnic specialists. Hundreds of thousands worth of fireworks are imported into the country every year. There have been a handful of seizures this year, the largest in Finglas, north Dublin, when €40,000 worth was discovered following a raid on a premises.

That consignment is thought to have come from the North, where licensed dealers can sell fireworks that have a British quality mark. No arrests were made.

The more dangerous types are those that do not pass through British controls and come to Ireland, mainly from the Far East via the underground black market.

Dr Patricia Eadie, a plastic surgeon at St James and Crumlin hospitals, has backed calls for tougher laws and said she was aware of few prosecutions arising from the sale or use of fireworks. She has heard of one arrest this year, believes the current law is not really enforced and senses a general apathy among the authorities who may not realise the seriousness of what is happening.

The Gardaí say there has been a number of arrests of people for illegal trading.

A study of the two hospitals where Dr Eadie works revealed that 19 people were treated in a three week period up to Hallowe’en. Of the 19, 10 were children, and 13, seven children, had to be admitted. Injuries sustained included burns to the hands and other parts of the body.

In 1996, a ban on fireworks was lifted but later tightened so that only licensed dealers can legally sell them.