| Synopsis: |
The Committee's report examines the regulations governing the possession and use of firearms in Northern Ireland, the differences from equivalent legislation in Britain, and the Government's proposal for a draft Order to replace the existing law in Northern Ireland. Overall, the Committee believes that firearms legislation should be consistent throughout the UK, wherever possible. Recommendations include: the establishment of unified regimes to govern access to replica firearms, young people's access to guns, and the creation of a Firearms Consultative Committee, an advisory body for Northern Ireland (similar to that for Britain) to examine common areas and best practice. However, the time is not right for a hand gun ban to be introduced in Northern Ireland. The Committee agrees with the principle of testing the competence of an individual before approving an application for a firearm certificate, although the practical aspects require further work before it is ready for implementation. |