Question
323. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will provide an update concerning firearms (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7853/15]
Answer
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald): I can inform the Deputy of the number of rifles, shotguns and handguns reported stolen in the past five years. The table beneath refers to each year from 2010 to 2014 and is provided from Garda PULSE records.
| Firearms stolen | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | Total |
| Handgun | 9 | 12 | 16 | 12 | 8 | 57 (incl. 40 air pistols) |
| Rifle | 49 | 79 | 76 | 65 | 48 | 317 |
| Shotgun | 184 | 216 | 166 | 174 | 113 | 853 |
| Other | 119 | 93 | 84 | 102 | 85 | 483 |
| Total | 361 | 400 | 342 | 353 | 254 | 1710 |
These figures relate to licensed and unlicensed firearms stolen over the period, which includes those stolen from Firearms Dealers.
The category of other firearms in the table includes firearms as defined under the Firearms Acts such as, humane killer, starting gun and blank firing gun.
The total figure for handguns of 57 includes 40 air pistols.
Figures are operational and are liable to change.