Firearms report was fair and balanced

AS the reporter who compiled RTÉ's Prime Time report on May 20 on a recent High Court case concerning the firearms legislation in Ireland, I would like to respond to Mark Dennehy’s letter (June 2), which criticised it.

The report examined the recent High Court judgment of Ms Justice Maureen Harding Clarke, which found a garda superintendent had erred when he refused an experienced hunter a licence for a .308 calibre rifle, on the grounds of public safety.

The judge said the superintendent had focused on the size and type of firearm instead of the character of the applicant.

The report looked at the implications of that judgment both for the gun fraternity and for garda superintendents, who are the licensing authorities.

It also examined the growth in licensed firearms in Ireland and the increasing sophistication and power of the guns being used by hunters and marksmen.

In his letter, Mr Dennehy asked where was the interview with the gardaí, the shooting community and the Firearms Consultative Panel.

At present, 40 cases are still before the courts.

The cases were taken by the gun lobby to challenge decisions by garda superintendents to refuse gun licences on the grounds of public safety.

The gardaí declined our invitation to be interviewed because the cases are ongoing.

In relation to the shooting community and the Firearms Consultative Panel, Mr Dennehy may not be aware that Des Crofton, the director of the National Association of Regional Game Councils, sat on the consultative panel and is also an active member of the shooting community, as is Joe Melia, who also represented Ireland in international competitions. Both of these prominent members of the shooting community featured in the report.

Paul Maguire

Reporter

Prime Time

RTÉ Television

Donnybrook

Dublin 4