Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 29 June 2023
346. Deputy Cathal Berry asked the Minister for Justice if she will provide the breakdown of firearm types (details supplied) seized by An Garda Síochána from 2013 to 2022, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31833/23]
View answerI have asked An Garda Sìochàna if it is possible to provide relevant information to the Deputy. Unfortunately it was not possible to confirm this within the timeframe allowed.
I will revert to the Deputy with any relevant information upon receipt.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51.
As you will recall, the information requested was not available at that time and I undertook to engage with An Garda Síochána about what relevant information might be available for the Deputy. I am now advised by An Garda Síochána that it is not possible to provide the data on the breakdown of firearm types seized due to the manner in which data in relation to firearms is recorded on PULSE.
However, An Garda Síochána have indicated that the official count of firearms seized is based on those which have been examined by the Ballistics Section. The reporting of firearms seizures is published in An Garda Síochána Annual Reports which are available on the Garda website.
To assist the Deputy, as published in An Garda Síochána 2021 Annual Report, 760 firearms or suspected firearms were received at the Ballistics and Forensic Investigation Section for examination and classification under the legislation.
This is largely in keeping with 2020 figures which stood at 777. Furthermore, 14,889 rounds of ammunition, and 131 discharged cartridge cases and bullets were submitted for examination and report.
I trust this information is of assistance.
