Minister for Justice Michael McDowell has announced plans to introduce new legislation to halt the illegal use of fireworks.
Under Irish law, there is no specific prohibtion against the importation, manufacture, sale or use of fireworks. Fireworks may only be brought into Ireland if an importation licence is granted by the minister.
These licences are usually only issued to professionals putting on fireworks displays.
Mr McDowell today said he plans to introduce new laws aimed at restricting as much as possible the availability of fireworks to the general public.
He plans to increase the existing penalties for importing, selling and using fireworks and create a new offence of possession of fireworks with intent to supply.
These measures will be brought forward in the context of the Criminal Justice Bill which is currently before the Dáil. Today he also published a Consultation Document on Fireworks Policy and public consultation process on the issue.
"I am satisfied that there is a need for change in both the law and policy governing fireworks and I hope that the consultation document published today will generate widespread public discussion on the control of fireworks.
"I am inviting submissions from members of the public and representative bodies on the document."