Healy-Rae - debate needed on gun ownership

Kerry TD Michael Healy-Rae says a debate is needed on whether people should be allowed to buy guns to protect themselves.

The Independent deputy for Kerry South himself owns a number of legally-held firearms.

While people can legally own a firearm for a number of uses, the protection of yourself or your home is not among them.

Deputy Healy-Rae told Radio Kerry that it's time a debate was started on whether a change is needed.

"That is a subject and an issue that… should be aired and discussed," he said.

"What we are relying on more and more is our community alerts.

"The guards can't be everywhere."