Press release
Commencement of new firearms measures under the Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2023
Published on
Last updated on
Published on
Last updated on
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.
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 at: 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.
The following sections are commenced with effect from 1 August 2023: