Section 10 of the Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2023 has been commenced with effect from 1 August 2023. This section provides for restrictions on firearms certificates for semi-automatic centre-fire rifles.
With effect from this date, it is no longer possible to obtain a new firearms certificate for a semi-automatic centre-fire rifle.
In addition, and in line with long-stated government policy, firearms certificates for semi-automatic centre-fire rifles that were first granted after 18 September 2015 and which were in force immediately before 1 August 2023, are revoked with effect from 1 November 2023.
This measure does not affect the possibility of renewal of a firearms certificate for a semi-automatic centre-fire rifle where the certificate was first granted on or before 18 September 2015 and was in force on 1 August 2023. The renewal of such certificates will still be possible, provided all other legal requirements are met.
This measure has been introduced on public safety grounds, in line with an announcement by the then Minister for Justice in September 2015 and subsequent Government and Oireachtas approval of the proposals in section 10 of the Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2023.
The very small number of licenced firearms holders who are affected by this should contact their local Garda Station.
Notes to Editors
1.Restrictions on firearms certificates for semi-automatic centre-fire rifles
All persons wishing to possess, use or carry a firearm or ammunition, must first apply to the relevant member of An Garda Síochána and be granted a firearm certificate, unless he or she is exempted under Section 2 of the Firearms Act 1925. Further information on the legal requirements relating to firearms can be viewed on https://www.gov.ie/en/organisation-information/b2289-firearms/ .
From 1 August 2023 a firearms certificate shall not be granted in respect of a semi-automatic centre-fire rifle.
From 1 November 2023, any firearm certificate for a semi-automatic centre-fire rifle that was first granted after 18 September 2015 and that was in force immediately before 1 August 2023 is revoked.
Where a firearms certificate for a semi-automatic centre-fire rifle is revoked, the person who is the holder of the certificate must deliver forthwith the rifle in question and ammunition (if any) to the Superintendent of An Garda Síochána of the district in which the person resides.
The Superintendent is required to give written notice of the person’s right to dispose of the rifle and ammunition (if any) in a lawful manner.
If the person does not make any disposal arrangement within three months, the Superintendent may send the person a written notice outlining that if there are no arrangements made within one month, the rifle will be sold and the proceeds forwarded to the person.
If the efforts to sell the rifle are unsuccessful, An Garda Síochána may arrange for the firearm to be destroyed. If this happen, the person will be given written notice.
2.Commencement of other sections of the Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2023
The Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2023 can be viewed here.
The following sections are commenced with effect from 1 August 2023:
- sections 1 and 2 (except for section 1(3) and 1(4)) – preliminary and general;
- sections 7 to 18 – updating of certain aspects of explosives and firearms legislation, including section 10 (restrictions on firearms certificates for semi-automatic centre-fire rifles);
- sections 61 and 62 – clarification of the sentencing options for persons who have been initially sentenced on conviction while under the age of 18 years and whose appeals have not been heard until they have reached adult age;
- section 71 – correction of a legal reference in the Garda Síochána Act 2005;
- section 74 – repeal of the specific prison planning requirements in Part 4 of the Prisons Act 2007;
- sections 78 and 86 – technical corrections to the Communications (Retention of Data) Act 2011.