Garda chief to issue report on gun licensing practices

Garda Commissioner Martin Callinan has been asked to produce a report on gun licensing practices by senior officers in the force, Justice Minister Alan Shatter has revealed.

The order was given after hunting and shooting enthusiasts settled a lawsuit with garda authorities amid allegations of blanket refusals for certificates for restricted weapons, including handguns.

The High Court action, brought by three men including a firearms dealer who has seven pistols for sport, was considered a test case for about 160 shooting enthusiasts who had been refused licences.