Justice Minister confirms ongoing engagement with National Association of Regional Game Councils (NARGC) 

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For Written Answer on: 02/07/2025
Question Number(s): 167
Question Reference(s): 36568/25
Department: Justice, Home Affairs and Migration
Asked by: Brendan Smith T.D.

QUESTION

To ask the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he will give detailed consideration to the issues raised in correspondence from a national association; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

REPLY

Reform of the firearms licensing system has been under consideration for a number of years, and extensive consultation has been undertaken. My Department holds meetings with individual firearms organisations on request and engages with various firearms stakeholders in other ways, while An Garda Síochána also meets with stakeholder organisations in respect of relevant matters.

Earlier this year, my Department organised a series of engagements with firearms stakeholders, and in February, three national fora were held with the Registered Firearms Dealers in Wicklow, Limerick, and Carrick-on-Shannon. A further two fora were held with firearms owners in Mullingar on 19 June 2025. My officials have also met with various firearms organisations, including the National Association of Regional Game Councils (NARGC).

The objective of these fora and meetings is to provide a mechanism for ongoing engagement with firearms stakeholders, and I can assure the Deputy that it is my intention, with Minister of State Collins, to further engage with relevant stakeholders in relation to any potential changes to policy or legislation in this area.

I am informed that the concerns raised in the referenced correspondence were acknowledged and discussed at the recent fora. My officials are working with An Garda Síochána to address the issues raised.