THE NATIONAL Association of Regional Game Councils is calling for fundamental changes to the “seriously flawed” Irish firearms licensing system.
According to the association, the changes are required following yesterday’s settlement of more than 160 High Court cases challenging refusals by chief superintendents of An Garda Síochána to grant firearms certificates.
When three test cases came before the High Court last month, evidence emerged that the recording process had not been correctly followed.
In light of the evidence placed before the High Court and the remarks of Mr Justice Hedigan, the association wants changes to the licensing system to ensure transparency, fairness and the maintenance of public confidence in the safety and security provisions of the system.
It is also calling on Minister for Justice Alan Shatter to launch an inquiry into the manner in which officers within the Garda have operated the licensing system.
“The current system of firearms licensing is seriously flawed, as recognised by the High Court. The wider shooting community have lost all confidence in the Garda’s ability or intention to administer the system in a fair and professional manner,” the association said. “As a consequence of the revelations in the High Court, the Garda Síochána has lost all credibility and cannot be trusted with the licensing system.”