Sir, - In August 1972 a temporary custody order valid for one month was issued by the Garda to prevent civilian owned and registered firearms from falling into terrorist hands. This included all pistols, even air pistols, which can be purchased across the counter without licence in other countries of the EC. In effect target-shooting sports with pistols were banned. On expiry of the one-month order, firearms handed in voluntarily should have been returned to their owners in accordance with the firearms legislation. Instead the Garda and Department of Justice decided to enforce a policy of not licensing firearms of the categories covered by the temporary order. The firearms which were handed in in 1972 were never returned to their owners and are still in the possession of the Garda.
One might argue that there was a valid reason for the continued custody of these firearms due to the ongoing unrest in Northern Ireland. Why, then, was there never a similar order imposed on the people of Northern Ireland? In Northern Ireland target shooting has never been seen as a security risk; never has there been any attempt by the authorities to deny their citizens access to sporting firearms. In a recent review of firearms policy in Northern Ireland, it was emphasised that target shooters pose no security risk and they will continue to enjoy the freedom to participate in international competition, including the Olympics. Such choice and freedom is being denied to the citizens of the Republic.
One might argue that there is a valid reason for the continued custody because of the possibility of licensed firearms falling into the hands of criminals. Considering that pistols have been effectively banned in the Republic since 1972, the facts speak for themselves. Criminals have no problem obtaining pistols for criminal activity. In any case, what possible use would a target air pistol be to a criminal facing armed gardai?
It is about time that the citizens of this country were treated fairly when it comes to firearms. We have been prevented from developing our target-shooting sports. We cannot participate in international competition, particularly the Olympics.
There are in excess of 200,000 licensed shotguns and rifles in the Republic of Ireland. Clearly Irish citizens can be trusted with firearms. Why can we not be trusted with air pistols, which can be purchased over the counter in the UK? The current firearms review undertaken by the Department of Justice has the sole purpose of ensuring ease of access to Ireland by foreign shooters. This means we also trust tourist shooters to bring their firearms to Ireland. There are no more excuses left for the Garda and the Department of Justice. - Yours, etc., Declan Keogh,
National Rifle and Pistol Association of Ireland, Blackrock, Co Dublin.