Government accused of firearms carelessness

The National Association of Regional Game Councils (NARGC) has called on the Government to immediately disclose Ireland’s position on proposed European restrictions on lead ammunition, as ministers face growing pressure from rural stakeholders ahead of a crucial upcoming vote at EU level.

The organisation says the outcome could have significant implications for more than 150,000 licensed shotgun owners across Ireland.

The call comes following the publication of a revised proposal on lead ammunition restrictions and with a vote expected at an upcoming meeting of the REACH Committee, where member states will play a key role in determining the future of the proposals.

Despite the significance of the issue for licensed firearm owners, farmers, hunters and game shooters across Ireland, NARGC says there remains no clear public position from Government on the revised proposals.

The organisation says it has previously raised concerns after receiving conflicting responses from Government departments regarding responsibility for Ireland’s position.

Correspondence from the Department of Enterprise and Minister Alan Dillon, who has political responsibility for REACH proposals, as well as the Department of Housing and Heritage Minister Christopher O’Sullivan, indicated that while observations had been provided by various departments and agencies, no single department appeared willing to take ownership of the State’s overall position.

NARGC Chairman Dan Curley said the continued lack of clarity was becoming increasingly difficult to justify as the European process moves towards a decision.

“Ministers and departments have had ample opportunity to establish and communicate Ireland’s position on these proposals.

“Instead, what we have seen is responsibility being passed from one department to another while those directly affected remain completely in the dark.

“With a crucial vote approaching, this level of confusion is unhelpful.

“Rural stakeholders deserve to know what position Ireland intends to take before decisions are made that could have significant consequences for firearm owners, farmers and sporting interests across the country.”

The proposed restrictions have generated significant concern among stakeholders regarding firearm compatibility, the availability of alternatives and the practical implications for predator control, vermin management and game hunting activities.

NARGC has also raised concerns regarding the potential health and safety implications of any move towards alternative ammunition where firearms may not be designed for its use.

The organisation notes that concerns have been repeatedly raised with Minister Dillon and his Department regarding the need for a comprehensive risk assessment of the proposals and their potential impact on firearm safety.

To date, no such assessment has been published or communicated to stakeholders. NARGC says the continued absence of meaningful engagement with affected groups on these issues is a matter of serious concern as the proposals move closer to a decision at European level.

“The issue here is a lack of transparency.” Curley said.

“A revised proposal has been issued.

“A vote is approaching.

“Yet Ireland’s position remains unclear.”

“That is not good enough. Stakeholders should not be left relying on speculation while decisions are progressing through European institutions without our own Government relaying our concerns around the table.”

“If the Government supports the proposal, it should say so.

“If it has concerns, it should say so.

“What cannot continue is this situation where responsibility is shuffled between departments and nobody appears willing to provide a straightforward answer.”

NARGC is calling on the Government to immediately publish Ireland’s position on the revised proposal and to engage directly with stakeholder organisations before any final decisions are taken at European level.

“Government must now provide clarity,” Curley concluded.

“Those who will be directly affected by these proposals have a right to know where Ireland stands.

“The confusion caused by a lack of a coordinated response is just blatantly disrespectful at this stage towards rural groups.”