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Uimhir 1 de 1964.
ACHT NA nARM TINE, 1964
[An tiontú oifigiúil.]
Léiriú.
1.—(1) San Acht seo—
ciallaíonn “an Coimisinéir” Coimisinéir an Gharda Síochána;
ciallaíonn “an tAire” an tAire Dlí agus Cirt;
ciallaíonn “an Príomh-Acht” Acht na nArm Teine, 1925;
ciallaíonn “áit phoiblí” aon áit a bhfuil rochtain ag an bpobal air de cheart nó le cead agus faoi réir táille nó saor ó tháille;
ciallaíonn “Ceannfort” Ceannfort den Gharda Síochána agus folaíonn sé Cigire den Gharda Síochána ag gníomhú mar Cheannfort.
(2) San Acht seo agus sa Phríomh-Acht, déanfar tagairtí don Phríomh-Acht a fhorléiriú, mar a gceanglaíonn nó mar a gceadaíonn an comhthéacs é, mar thagairtí don Acht sin arna leasú leis an Acht seo.
(3) Déanfar an Príomh-Acht agus an tAcht seo a fhorléiriú mar aon ní amháin.
Aerghunnaí a thabhairt faoi réim an Phríomh-Achta.
2.—(1) Sa Phríomh-Acht agus san Acht seo folóidh “arm tine” aerghunna (abairt a fholaíonn aer-raidhfil agus aerphiostal) agus aon arm eile ar a bhfuil bairille as ar féidir slugaí miotail nó slugaí eile a chaitheamh agus arm toirmiscthe.
(2) D'ainneoin aon ní sa Phríomh-Acht ní cion sa tréimhse dhá mhí dar tosach dáta an Achta seo a rith—
(a) ag aon duine aerghunna nó aon arm eile (nach aerghunna ná arm arbh arm tine é roimh dháta an Achta seo a rith) a bheith ina sheilbh aige, ar shlí eile seachas in áit phoiblí,
(b) ag aon duine atá sé bliana déag d'aois nó os a chionn aerghunna nó aon arm eile (nach aerghunna nó arm arbh arm tine é roimh dháta an Achta seo a rith) a iompar chun é a dhiúscairt chun déileálaí arm tine nó chun duine ag a bhfuil deimhniú airm tine maidir leis an aerghunna nó leis an arm nó maidir le harm tine eile agus is deimhniú atá i bhfeidhm nó duine ag a bhfuil údarás ar shlí eile faoin bPríomh-Acht chun an t-aerghunna nó an t-arm a bheith ina sheilbh aige.
E bheith toirmiscthe go sealadach géim a chaitheamh.
3.—(1) Féadfaidh an tAire, ar uiríolla ón Aire Tailte gur gá sin a dhéanamh chun géim a chaomhnadh, ordú a dhéanamh a thoirmisceoidh arm tine nó arm tine de cibé saghas nó saghsanna a shonrófar san ordú a úsáid nó a iompar in áit phoiblí nó ar aon tailte ar fud an Stáit nó i cibé limistéar nó limistéir a shonrófar san ordú i gcaitheamh cibé tréimhse, nach faide ná mí, a shonrófar san ordú.
(2) Féadfaidh an tAire le hordú, tar éis dó dul i gcomhairle leis an Aire Tailte, ordú faoin alt seo, lena n-áirítear ordú faoin bhfo-alt seo, a leasú nó a chúlghairm.
(3) Ní bheidh feidhm ag ordú faoin alt seo maidir le húsáid nó iompar arm tine ag comhaltaí d'Óglaigh na hÉireann nó den Gharda Síochána ná le húsáid nó iompar arm tine ag duine dár thug Ceannfort aon cheantair cead a bheidh i bhfeidhm chun arm tine a úsáid agus a iompar chun críche (seachas géim a chaitheamh) a bheidh sonraithe sa chead sa cheantar sin i gcaitheamh tréimhse a bheidh sonraithe sa chead, má iompraítear agus má úsáidtear an t-arm tine agus é de réir téarmaí an cheada sin.
(4) (a) Aon uair a bheidh ordú faoi fho-alt (1) den alt seo i bhfeidhm i ndáil le haon cheantar, féadfaidh Ceannfort an cheantair sin, dá rogha féin, cead a thabhairt d'aon duine chun arm tine a mbainfidh an t-ordú lena úsáid nó lena iompar a úsáid agus a iompar sa cheantar sin chun críche (seachas géim a chaitheamh) a bheidh sonraithe sa chead i gcaitheamh tréimhse a bheidh sonraithe sa chead.
(b) Féadfaidh Ceannfort aon cheantair cead a tugadh faoin alt seo i ndáil leis an gceantar sin a chúlghairm.
An Garda Síochána do choinnéail arm tine go sealadach ar mhaithe le slándáil an phobail.
4.—(1) Más deimhin leis an Aire gur gá sin ar mhaithe le slándáil an phobail, féadfaidh sé ordú a dhéanamh á cheangal ar gach duine a chónaíonn i gceantar a shonrófar san ordú agus a bhfuil ina sheilbh arm tine nó lón lámhaigh nó arm tine nó lón lámhaigh de cibé saghas nó saghsanna a shonrófar san ordú é a thabhairt suas don Gharda Síochána ar nó roimh dháta a shonrófar san ordú.
(2) Leanfaidh ordú faoi fho-alt (1) den alt seo i bhfeidhm ar feadh cibé tréimhse nach faide ná mí a shonrófar san ordú.
(3) Féadfaidh an tAire le hordú ordú faoin alt seo, lena n-áirítear ordú faoin bhfo-alt seo, a leasú nó a chúlghairm.
(4) Aon uair a bheidh ordú faoi fho-alt (1) den alt seo i bhfeidhm, féadfaidh comhalta den Gharda Síochána urghabháil a dhéanamh ar arm tine nó ar lón lámhaigh lena mbainfidh an t-ordú agus a gheofar sa cheantar a bheidh sonraithe san ordú tar éis an dáta a gceanglaítear leis an ordú é a thabhairt suas don Gharda Síochána air nó roimhe agus féadfaidh an Garda Síochána, fad a leanfaidh an t-ordú i bhfeidhm, seilbh a choinneáil ar aon arm tine nó lón lámhaigh a urghabhfaidh siad nó a thabharfar suas dóibh de bhun an ordaithe.
(5) A luaithe is féidir tar éis an ama a scoirfidh ordú faoi fho-alt (1) den alt seo de bheith i bhfeidhm, déanfaidh an Garda Síochána, faoi réir fhorálacha an Phríomh-Achta, aon airm tine nó lón lámhaigh a tugadh suas dóibh nó a d'urghabh siad de bhun an orduithe, a thabhairt ar ais do na húinéirí.
(6) Ní bheidh feidhm ag ordú faoi fho-alt (1) den alt seo maidir le harm tine nó lón lámhaigh a bheidh ina seilbh ag comhaltaí d'Óglaigh na hÉireann nó den Gharda Síochána.
Orduithe faoi ailt 3 agus 4 a shárú.
5.—Aon duine a sháróidh foráil d'ordú faoi alt 3 nó alt 4 den Acht seo beidh sé ciontach i gcion faoin bPríomh-Acht.
Forálacha maidir le horduithe faoi ailt 3 agus 4.
6.—(1) Aon ordú a dhéanfar faoi alt 3 nó alt 4 den Acht seo leagfar é faoi bhráid gach Tí den Oireachtas a luaithe is féidir tar éis a dhéanta agus má dhéanann ceachtar Teach acu sin, laistigh den lá is fiche a shuífidh an Teach sin tar éis an t-ordú a leagan faoina bhráid, rún a rith ag neamhniú an ordaithe, beidh an t-ordú ar neamhní dá réir sin, ach sin gan dochar do bhailíocht aon ní a rinneadh roimhe sin faoin ordú.
(2) Aon uair a dhéanfar ordú faoi alt 3 nó alt 4 den Acht seo, déanfar fógra i dtaobh an t-ordú a dhéanamh agus i dtaobh a éifeachta a fhoilsiú i nuachtán amháin ar a laghad a léitear sa cheantar nó i ngach ceantar lena mbaineann an t-ordú.
Arm tine agus lón lámhaigh áirithe i seilbh an Gharda Síochána a dhiúscairt.
7.—(1) Na tagairtí atá san alt seo d'arm tine nó lón lámhaigh a tháinig i seilbh an Gharda Síochána is tagairtí iad d'arm tine nó lón lámhaigh a tháinig i seilbh an Gharda Síochána roimh an Acht seo a rith de bhun alt 6 den Phríomh-Acht nó ar shlí eile.
(2) Féadfaidh an Coimisinéir a chur faoi deara fógra a fhoilsiú i ngach nuachtán laethúil a fhoilsítear sa Stát á rá go bhféadfar aon arm tine nó lón lámhaigh a tháinig i seilbh an Gharda Síochána a dhíol nó a dhíthiú mura ndéanfaidh an t-úinéir an céanna a éileamh agus a theideal chuige a bhunú laistigh den tréimhse trí mhí dar tosach dáta foilsithe an fhógra.
(3) I gcás ina bhfoilseofar fógra de bhun fo-alt (2) den alt seo—
(a) cuirfidh an Coimisinéir faoi deara fógra a chur leis an bpost chuig gach duine arb eol don Gharda Síochána a sheoladh agus a gcreidtear gurb eisean úinéir arm tine nó lón lámhaigh a tháinig i seilbh an Gharda Síochána á rá go bhféadfar an t-arm tine nó an lón lámhaigh a dhíol nó a dhíthiú mura ndéanfaidh an duine an céanna a éileamh agus a theideal chuige a bhunú laistigh den tréimhse trí mhí dar tosach dáta foilsithe an fhógra dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (2) den alt seo.
(b) murab eol seoladh an duine a gcreidtear gurb é an t-úinéir é nó, más é tuairim an Choimisinéara nach dtuigfeadh an duine sin fógra den sórt sin a dúradh, féadfaidh an Coimisinéir, dá rogha féin, a chur faoi deara an fógra a chur leis an bpost chuig aon duine nó é a thabhairt ar shlí eile d'aon duine de theaghlach an duine sin nó chuig nó do cibé duine eile, más ann, is iomchuí leis sna himthoscaí speisialta.
(4) I gcás ina bhfoilseofar fógra de bhun fho-alt (2) den alt seo agus, i gcásanna inarb iomchuí sin, ina dtabharfar fógra de bhun fho-alt (3) den alt seo—
(a) aon duine a dhéanfaidh laistigh den tréimhse a shonrófar san fhógra a fhoilseofar de bhun fho-alt (2) den alt seo, éileamh agus a bhunóidh a theideal i leith arm tine nó lón lámhaigh a tháinig i seilbh an Gharda Síochána, féadfaidh sé, faoi réir fhorálacha an Phríomh-Achta, a chur faoi deara go n-aistreofar an t-arm tine nó an lón lámhaigh as coinneáil an Gharda Síochána laistigh den tréimhse sin, agus
(b) féadfaidh an Coimisinéir a chur faoi deara go ndíolfar aon arm tine nó lón lámhaigh a tháinig i seilbh an Gharda Síochána agus nár éilíodh ná nár aistríodh as coinneáil an Gharda Síochána, nó nár bunaíodh teideal ina leith chun sástachta an Choimisinéara laistigh den tréimhse dá dtagraítear i mír (a) den fho-alt seo, agus cuirfidh sé faoi deara, a luaithe is féidir, sochar an díola sin a íoc leis an úinéir, nó mura féidir an t-úinéir a dhéanamh amach, a chur chun sochair don Státchiste, agus
(c) féadfaidh an Coimisinéir a chur faoi deara go ndítheofar aon arm tine nó lón lámhaigh a tairgeadh lena dhíol faoi mhír (b) den fho-alt seo agus nár díoladh, más é tuairim an Choimisinéara nach dócha go ndíolfar an t-arm tine nó an lón lámhaigh má thairgtear lena dhíol arís é agus cuirfidh sé faoi deara go gcuirfear fógra go dtí aon duine a gcreidtear gurb é is úinéir ar an arm tine nó an lón lámhaigh nó (i gcás inarb iomchuí sin) go dtí duine eile de réir mhír (b) d'fho-alt (3) den alt seo ag insint faoin díthiú sin don duine chun a gcuirfear an fógra sin.
Airm tine a dhiúscairt in imthoscaí áirithe.
8.—Déantar leis seo an t-alt seo a leanas a chur in ionad alt 6 den Phríomh-Acht:
“Nuair a dhéanfaidh Ceannfort deimhniú airm tine a chúlghairm agus go mbeidh arm tine, agus lón lámhaigh nó gan lón lámhaigh ina theannta, ina sheilbh sa Stát tráth an chúlghairthe sin ag an duine is sealbhóir ar an deimhniú nó i gcás arm tine, agus lón lámhaigh nó gan lón lámhaigh ina theannta, a bheith ina sheilbh sa Stát ag duine ach nach eisean is sealbhóir ar dheimhniú airm tine ina leith agus gan an sealbhú sin a bheith údaraithe ar shlí eile faoin Acht seo—
(a) seachadfaidh an duine sin, láithreach, an t-arm tine agus an lón lámhaigh (más ann) don Cheannfort,
(b) cuirfidh an Ceannfort faoi deara, láithreach, go dtabharfar fógra i scríbhinn don duine go bhfuil sé de cheart aige an t-arm tine agus an lón lámhaigh (más ann) a dhiúscairt in aon slí nach bhfuil in aghaidh an dlí,
(c) ar an seachadadh sin a bheith déanta, féadfaidh an duine an t-arm tine agus an lón lámhaigh (más ann) a dhiúscairt mar a dúradh,
(d) mura ndéanfaidh an duine sin, laistigh de thrí mhí tar éis an t-arm tine agus an lón lámhaigh (más ann) a sheachadadh don Cheannfort, socrú lena dhiúscairt nó lena ndiúscairt de réir fhorálacha an Achta seo, agus scéala a thabhairt don Cheannfort i dtaobh na socruithe agus na socruithe a chur i gcrích, féadfaidh an Ceannfort fógra a chur leis an bpost chuig an duine go dtí an seoladh is déanaí is eol a bheith aige á chur in iúl dó go ndéanfar, mura ndéanfar socruithe den sórt a dúradh, mura gcuirfear iad i bhfios don Cheannfort agus mura gcuirfear i gcrích iad laistigh de mhí ó dháta an fógra a chur chun bealaigh, an t-arm tine agus an lón lámhaigh (más ann) a dhíol nó a dhíthiú,
(e) más rud é nach mbeidh socruithe den sórt a dúradh déanta, ná curtha i bhfios don Cheannfort ná curtha i gcrích laistigh de mhí tar éis dáta an fógra sin a dúradh a chur chun bealaigh, féadfaidh an Ceannfort a chur faoi deara an t-arm tine agus an lón lámhaigh (más ann) a dhíol agus cuirfidh sé faoi deara sochar an díola a íoc leis an duine sin a luaithe is féidir,
(f) féadfaidh an Ceannfort a chur faoi deara go ndítheofar aon arm tine nó lón lámhaigh a tairgeadh le díol faoi mhír (e) den alt seo agus nár díoladh más é tuairim an Cheannfoirt nach dócha go ndíolfar an t-arm tine nó an lón lámhaigh má thairgtear arís é lena dhíol agus cuirfidh sé fógra leis an bpost chuig an duine ag an seoladh is déanaí is eol a bheith aige ag insint dó faoin díthiú sin,
(g) murab eol seoladh an duine nó más é tuairim an Cheannfoirt nach dtuigfeadh an duine fógraí den sórt sin a dúradh, féadfaidh an Ceannfort, dá rogha féin, na fógraí a chur leis an bpost chuig aon duine nó, iad a thabhairt ar shlí eile d'aon duine de theaghlach an duine sin nó chuig nó do cibé duine eile, más ann, is iomchuí leis sna himthoscaí speisialta.”
Deimhniú airm tine a athnuachan.
9.—(1) Féadfaidh Ceannfort an Cheantair ina gcónaíonn sealbhóir ceadúnais airm tine ceadúnas airm tine a thug Ceannfort tar éis an lae cheaptha a athnuachan ó am go ham ar iarratas ó shealbhóir an cheadúnais sin.
(2) I gcás ina ndéanfar athnuachan faoin alt seo, ar dheimhniú airm tine, leanfaidh an deimhniú i bhfeidhm go dtí an 31ú lá d'Iúil díreach tar éis dáta na hathnuachana sin, ach féadfaidh athnuachan ar dheimhniú a thabharfar roimh an 31ú lá d'Iúil aon bhliain a rá go dtosóidh sé an lú lá de Lúnasa ina dhiaidh sin agus sa chás sin beidh sé i bhfeidhm ar an agus ón 1ú lá sin de Lúnasa go dtí an 31ú lá d'Iúil ina dhiaidh sin.
(3) Is san fhoirm a fhorordaítear le rialacháin arna ndéanamh ag an Aire faoi alt 27 den Phríomh-Acht a bheidh aon athnuachan ar dheimhniú airm tine.
(4) (a) Féadfaidh comhalta den Gharda Síochána nach ísle céim ná Sairsint deimhniú airm tine a thug Ceannfort a athnuachan sa cheantar ina gcónaíonn sealbhóir an cheadúnais má bhíonn agus fad a bheidh sé údaraithe i scríbhinn amhlaidh ag Ceannfort an cheantair sin.
(b) Beidh an chumhacht chun athnuachan a dhéanamh a thugtar leis an bhfo-alt seo faoi réir cibé forcoimeád (más ann) a shonrófar san údarás ón gCeannfort.
(c) An chumhacht chun athnuachana a thugtar leis an bhfo-alt seo ní chumasóidh sé don duine a fheidhmeoidh í in aon cheantar diúltú aon deimhniú airm tine áirithe a athnuachan mura mbeidh údaraithe dó ag Ceannfort an cheantair sin diúltú an deimhniú áirithe sin a athnuachan.
(5) I bhfo-alt (1) den alt seo ciallaíonn “an lá ceaptha” an lá a cheapfaidh an tAire le hordú mar an lá ceaptha chun críocha an fho-ailt sin.
Tréimhse bailíochta deimhniú airm tine a thabharfaidh an tAire.
10.—D'ainneoin aon ní atá i bhfo-alt (3) d'alt 3 den Phríomh-Acht, leanfaidh deimhniú airm tine a thabharfaidh an tAire tar éis dáta an Achta seo a rith i bhfeidhm, faoi réir fhorálacha eile an Phríomh-Achta, go ceann tréimhse dhá mhí dhéag dár tosach an dáta a déarfaidh an deimhniú a thosóidh sé.
Airm tine lena mbaineann deimhniú airm tine a athrú.
11.—(1) Faoi réir fho-alt (3) den alt seo, féadfaidh an tAire an tuairisc ar arm tine eile a chur in ionad na tuairisce ar arm tine i ndeimhniú airm tine a thug sé agus, ar thuairisc an airm tine eile sin a bheith curtha sa deimhniú, is maidir leis an arm tine eile sin a bheidh éifeacht ag an deimhniú agus ní bheidh éifeacht ag an deimhniú maidir leis an arm tine a luaitear sa dara háit thuas.
(2) Faoi réir fho-alt (3) den alt seo féadfaidh Ceannfort aon cheantair nó aon chomhalta den Gharda Síochána in aon cheantar a bheidh údaraithe go cuí ag Ceannfort an Cheantair sin chun sin a dhéanamh an tuairisc ar arm tine eile a chur in ionad na tuairisce ar arm tine, i ndeimhniú airm tine a bheidh ag duine a chónaíonn sa cheantar sin agus, ar thuairisc an airm tine eile sin a bheith curtha sa deimhniú, is maidir leis an arm tine eile sin a bheidh éifeacht ag an deimhniú agus ní bheidh éifeacht ag an deimhniú maidir leis an arm tine a luaitear sa dara háit thuas.
(3) Ní dhéanfar faoin alt seo tuairisc amháin a chur in ionad tuairisce eile i ndeimhniú airm tine mura rud é nach mó an ráta dleachta máil is inmhuirir i leith athnuachan ar an deimhniú tar éis an tuairisc sin a chur in ionad na tuairisce eile ná an ráta ab inmhuirir díreach sular cuireadh an tuairisc sin in ionad na tuairisce eile.
Úsáid theoranta unna gráin.
12.—(1) In aon chás inar gunna gráin an t-arm tine a thuairiscítear i ndeimhniú airm tine féadfaidh an deimhniú a rá go n-údaraíonn sé, agus sa chás sin oibreoidh sé chun a údarú don duine dá dtugtar an deimhniú an gunna a úsáid chun, agus amháin chun ainmhithe nó éin seachas géim a mharú (de réir mar a déarfar sa deimhniú)—
(a) ar thalamh atá á áitiú aige féin, nó
(b) ar thalamh atá á áitiú ag duine eile.
(2) Ní dhéanfar deimhniú san fhoirm dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (1) den alt seo (dá ngairtear deimhniú teoranta san alt seo) maidir le talamh atá á áitiú ag duine seachas an duine dá dtabharfar an ceadúnas mura mbeidh ainmniú i scríbhinn chun an deimhniú a shealbhú tugtha ag áititheoir na talún don duine a bheidh ag iarraidh an deimhnithe.
(3) Ní thabharfar deimhniú teoranta maidir le haon talamh in aghaidh aon tréimhse má bhíonn deimhniú teoranta maidir leis an talamh sin i bhfeidhm cheana féin in aghaidh na tréimhse sin.
(4) Ní thabharfar deimhniú teoranta murab é an duine céanna a áitíonn iomlán na talún lena mbainfeadh an deimhniú.
(5) I gcás ina ndéanfar ainmniú dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (2) den alt seo a chúlghairm ní fhéadfar an deimhniú teoranta lenar bhain sé, má bhíonn sé i bhfeidhm an tráth sin, a athnuachan.
Díol arm tine ag ceantálaithe.
13.—(1) D'ainneoin aon ní atá in alt 10 den Phríomh-Acht, féadfaidh ceantálaí a bheidh údaraithe faoin alt seo, arm tine nó lón lámhaigh a dhíol, a thaispeáint lena dhíol agus a bheith ina sheilbh aige lena dhíol ar ceant i ngnáth-chúrsa a ghnó mar cheantálaí: Ar choinníoll nach ndéanfar i gcás díola an t-arm tine nó an lón lámhaigh a sheachadadh don cheannaitheoir go dtí go dtabharfaidh sé ar aird don cheantálaí deimhniú airm tine a bheidh i bhfeidhm á údarú dó an t-arm tine nó an lón lámhaigh a cheannach nó a chruthú go bhfuil teideal dleathach aige an t-arm tine nó an lón lámhaigh a bheith ina sheilbh gan deimhniú airm tine a bheith aige ina leith.
(2) Féadfaidh Ceannfort aon cheantair a údarú i scríbhinn do cheantálaí sa cheantar sin arm tine nó lón lámhaigh a dhíol, a thaispeáint lena dhíol agus a bheith ina sheilbh aige lena dhíol, ar ceant i rith cibé tréimhse, nach faide ná bliain, a shonrófar san údarás.
(3) Ní thabharfaidh Ceannfort údarás faoin alt seo do cheantalaí mura deimhin leis, ag féachaint do na himthoscaí go léir (lena n-áirítear an socrú a bheidh déanta nó a dhéanfar maidir le stóráil na n-arm tine agus an lón lámhaigh lena mbainfeadh an t-údarás dá dtabharfaí é), nach gcuirfidh airm tine nó lón lámhaigh a dhíol, a thaispeáint lena dhíol nó a shealbhú de bhun an údaráis slándáil an phobail ná an tsíocháin i mbaol.
(4) Féadfaidh Ceannfort cibé coinníollacha (más aon choinníoll é) a mheasfaidh sé is gá chun baol don phobal a chosc a fhorchur maidir le tabhairt údaráis faoin alt seo agus, má fhorchuirtear coinníoll, sonrófar san údarás é.
(5) Féadfaidh Ceannfort an cheantair inar tugadh údarás faoin alt seo an t-údarás sin a chúlghairm aon tráth.
(6) Aon duine a sháróidh coinníoll a forchuireadh i ndáil le húdarás faoin alt seo a thabhairt beidh sé ciontach i gcion faoin bPríomh-Acht.
Leasú ar alt 1 den Phríomh-Acht.
14.—Leasaítear leis seo alt 1 den Phríomh-Acht tríd an bhfo-alt seo a leanas a chur isteach i ndiaidh fho-alt (2):
“(3) San Acht seo folaíonn tagairtí do Cheannfort den Gharda Síochána tagairtí do Chigire den Gharda Síochána ag gníomhú mar Cheannfort.”
Leasú ar alt 2 den Phríomh-Acht.
15.—Leasaítear leis seo alt 2 den Phríomh-Acht—
(a) trí “nó lón lámhaigh dó” a chur isteach i ndiaidh “gléas marbhtha daonachtach” i mír (g) d'fho-alt (3), agus
(b) tríd an bhfo-alt seo a leanas a chur isteach i ndiaidh fo-alt (3):
“(4) Ní bhainfidh an t-alt seo le haon cheann de na cásanna seo a leanas agus tá na cásanna sin eiscthe dá réir sin ón alt seo, is é sin le rá:
(a) seilbh, úsáid nó iompar airm tine nó lóin lámhaigh ag fostaí de chuid déileálaí chláraithe arm tine i ngnáthchúrsa ghnó an déileálaí mar dhéileálaí arm tine,
(b) seilbh nó iompar airm tine nó lóin lámhaigh ag fostaí duine a sheolann gnó ag iompar nó ag stórasú earraí ar luaíocht i ngnáthchúrsa an ghnó sin,
(c) seilbh nó iompar airm tine nó lóin lámhaigh chun críocha díola ag ceantálaí atá údaraithe faoi alt 13 den Acht seo nó ag fostaí ceantálaí den sórt sin i ngnáthchúrsa gnó mar cheantálaí,
(d) seilbh, úsáid nó iompar airm tine nó lóin lámhaigh ag comhalta de raidhfil-chlub nó club eile a bheidh údaraithe faoin alt seo agus le linn dó a bheith ag gabháil mar chomhalta den sórt sin do chomórtas nó cleachtas targaide ar raon nó in áit eile a bheidh údaraithe faoin alt seo,
(e) seilbh, úsáid nó iompar airm tine (seachas gunna gráin) nach mó ná .23 orlach cailibré nó lón lámhaigh ag duine a oibríonn raon nó leibheann scaoilte i halla caithimh aimsire nó ag aonach spóirt nó carnabhal nó teagmhas eile dá shamhail chun críocha an raona nó an leibhinn scaoilte agus atá údaraithe chuige sin faoin alt seo nó ag duine agus é ag úsáid an raon nó an leibheann scaoilte sin,
(f) seilbh, úsáid nó iompair airm tine nó lóin lámhaigh ag duine a bheidh ag glacadh páirt i dtaibhiú nó i réamhléiriú amharclainne nó ag táirgeadh scannáin chinematagrafaigh chun críche an taibhithe, an réamhléirithe nó an táirgithe, is taibhiú, réamhléiriú nó táirgeadh ag duine a bheidh údaraithe chuige sin faoin alt seo,
(g) seilbh, úsáid nó iompar airm tine nó lóin lámhaigh neamhphiléartha chun rásaí lúthchleasa a thosú ag duine a bheidh údaraithe chuige sin faoin alt seo,
(h) seilbh, úsáid nó iompar airm tine nó lóin lámhaigh neamhphiléartha arna sholáthar ag an Aire Cosanta ag duine a bheidh ag glacadh páirt i searmanas d'aon sórt chun críocha an tsearmanais is duine a bheidh údaraithe chuige sin faoin alt seo.
(5) (a) Féadfaidh Ceannfort aon cheantair a údarú i scríbhinn airm tine nó lón lámhaigh a shealbhú, a úsáid nó a iompar sa cheantar sin in aon imthoscaí dá sonraítear i míreanna (d), (e), (f), (g) nó (h) d'fho-alt (4) den alt seo i gcaitheamh cibé tréimhse, nach faide ná bliain, a shonrófar san údarás.
(b) Ní thabharfaidh Ceannfort údarás faoin alt seo mura deimhin leis, ag féachaint do na himthoscaí go léir (lena n-áirítear an socrú a bheidh déanta nó a dhéanfar maidir le stóráil na n-arm tine agus an lón lámhaigh lena mbainfeadh an t-údarás (dá dtabharfaí é) agus maoirseacht ar a n-úsáid) nach gcuirfidh seilbh, úsáid ná iompar (de réir mar a bheidh) arm tine nó lóin lámhaigh de bhun an údaráis slándáil an phobail ná an tsíocháin i mbaol.
(c) I gcás ina mbeartófar údarás a thabhairt faoin alt seo i leith raidhfil-chlub nó gunna-chlub eile nó i leith raona nó áite eile dá dtagraítear i mír (d) d'fho-alt (4) den alt seo, tabharfar an t-údarás d'oifigeach don chlub a ainmneoidh an club nó don duine i bhfeighil an raona nó na háite eile, de réir mar a bheidh, agus má dhéantar sárú ar choinníoll a forchuireadh maidir le tabhairt an údaráis sin agus go gcruthófar go ndearnadh an sárú le toiliú nó ceadú, nó gur urasaíodh a dhéanamh trí aon fhaillí ar thaobh, an duine dár tugadh an t-údarás, beidh an duine sin ciontach i gcion faoin Acht seo.
(d) Féadfaidh Ceannfort cibé coinníollacha (más aon choinníoll é) a mheasfaidh sé is gá chun baol don phobal a chosc a fhorchur maidir le tabhairt údaráis faoin alt seo agus, má fhorchuirtear coinníoll, sonrófar san údarás é.
(e) Féadfar údarás faoin alt seo a chúlghairm tráth ar bith ag Ceannfort an cheantair inar tugadh é.
(f) Aon duine a sháróidh aon choinníoll a forchuireadh maidir le húdarás a thabhairt faoin alt seo beidh sé ciontach i gcion faoin Acht seo.”
Leasú ar alt 3 den Phríomh-Acht.
16.—Leasaítear leis seo alt 3 den Phríomh-Acht—
(a) trí “roimh an 31ú lá d'Iúil aon bhliain” a chur in ionad “i rith mí Iúil” i bhfo-alt (3), agus
(b) tríd an bhfo-alt seo a leanas a chur in ionad fo-alt (4)—
“(4) Is san fhoirm ordaithe a bheidh gach deimhniú airm tine agus déarfaidh gach deimhniú airm tine go n-údaraíonn sé, agus oibreoidh sé chun a údarú, don duine dá dtugtar é—
(a) an t-arm tine áirithe a bheidh tuairiscithe sa deimhniú a bheith ina sheilbh aige, a úsáid agus a iompar, agus
(b) lón lámhaigh a úsáid san arm tine agus an méid sin lón lámhaigh don arm tine a bheidh sonraithe sa deimhniú a bheith ina sheilbh aige aon tráth áirithe agus a iompar”.
Leasú ar alt 8 den Phríomh-Acht.
17.—Leasaítear leis seo alt 8 den Phríomh-Acht—
(a) trí “sé bliana déag” a chur in ionad “cúig mblian déag” i mír (a) d'fho-alt (1),
(b) trí mhíreanna (d) agus (e) d'fho-alt (1) a scriosadh agus na míreanna seo a leanas a chur isteach:
“(d) aon duine ar chuir aon chúirt sa Stát pianbhreith phianseirbhíse nó phríosúnachta air ar feadh aon téarma nach bhfuil éagtha nó a d'éag in imeacht chúig bliana roimhe sin mar gheall ar choir ar úsáideadh arm tine lena linn nó ar taispeánadh arm tine nó arm tine bréige lena linn chun eagla a chur, de réir dealraimh, ar aon duine nó ar bagraíodh lena linn arm tine a úsáid in aghaidh aon duine nó maoin, agus,
(e) aon duine ar chuir aon chúirt sa Stát pianbhreith phianseirbhís nó phríosúnachta air ar feadh aon téarma nach lú nó nár lú ná trí mhí nach bhfuil éagtha nó a d'éag in imeacht chúig bliana roimhe sin mar gheall ar choir arbh éard í nó ar chuid di ionsaí ar aon duine, agus”.
Leasú ar alt 9 den Phríomh-Acht.
18.—Leasaítear leis seo alt 9 den Phríomh-Acht trí “don méid deighleálaithe cláruithe arm tine atá sa chomhursanacht ina bhfuil an t-iarratasóir chun gnó do chur ar siúl,” a scriosadh as fo-alt (3).
Leasú ar alt 10 den Phríomh-Acht.
19.—Leasaítear leis seo alt 10 den Príomh-Acht—
(a) trí “d'aon duine” a chur in ionad “d'aon deighleálaí arm teine” agus “an duine sin” a chur in ionad “an deighleálaí arm teine sin” i bhfo-alt (2), agus
(b) tríd an bhfo-alt seo a leanas a chur in ionad fo-alt (4):
“(4) Ní dleathach d'aon déileálaí cláraithe arm tine aon arm tine nó lón lámhaigh a tugadh don déileálaí le deisiú, le tástáil nó le promhadh a thabhairt ar ais do dhuine ar bith mura ndéanfaidh an duine—
(a) deimhniú airm tine a thabhairt ar aird a údaraíonn dó an t-arm tine nó an lón lámhaigh a bheith ina sheilbh aige, nó
(b) a chruthú chun sástachta an déileálaí go bhfuil teideal aige an t-arm tine nó an lón lámhaigh a bheith ina sheilbh gan deimhniú airm tine a bheith aige ina leith, agus”.
(c) trí “,tabhairt” a chur isteach i ndiaidh “cur ar cíos” agus “,fáil” a chur isteach i ndiaidh “tógaint ar cíos”, i mír (b) d'fho-alt (6).
Leasú ar alt 16 den Phríomh-Acht.
20.—Leasaítear leis seo alt 16 den Phríomh-Acht trí “nó a choinsíniú chun a onnmhairithe” a chur isteach i ndiaidh “nó ann” i bhfo-alt (4).
Leasú ar alt 17 den Phríomh-Acht.
21.—(1) An srian a fhorchuirtear le halt 17 den Phríomh-Acht ar allmhuiriú arm tine isteach sa Stát ní bheidh feidhm aige maidir le hallmhairiú airm tine ag duine is sealbhóir ar dheimhniú airm tine i leith an airm tine atá i bhfeidhm.
(2) Leasaítear leis seo an t-alt sin 17—
(a) trí “(nách sia ná sé mhí)” a scriosadh as fo-alt (3), agus
(b) trí “(nách sia ná mí)” a scriosadh as fo-alt (4).
Leasú ar alt 21 den Phríomh-Acht.
1897, c. 30.
22.—Leasaítear leis seo alt 21 den Phríomh-Acht tríd an bhfo-alt seo a leanas a chur in ionad fo-alt (6):
“(6) I gcás ina n-urghabhfar arm tine nó lón lámhaigh faoin alt seo nó faoi alt 22 den Acht seo agus nach dtionscnófar ionchúiseamh i leith ciona faoin Acht seo maidir leis an arm tine nó an lón lámhaigh—
(a) tabharfar an t-arm tine nó an lón lámhaigh ar ais don duine ar leis é, a choinsínigh é nó chun ar coinsíníodh é, de réir mar is iomchuí, nó déanfar, faoi réir fhorálacha an Achta seo, é a dhiúscairt mar a ordóidh an duine sin, nó
(b) déanfar ábhar iarratais chun na Cúirte Dúiche faoin Police (Property) Act, 1897, den arm tine nó den lón lámhaigh agus é a dhiúscairt de réir téarmaí an ordaithe ón gCúirt Dúiche faoin Acht sin maidir leis an iarratas.”
Leasú ar alt 24 den Phríomh-Acht.
23.—Leasaítear leis seo alt 24 den Phríomh-Acht trí “de ocht n-uaire a chloig is daichead” a chur in ionad “de cheithre huaire fichead a'chluig” i bhfo-alt (2).
Dualgas cruthúnais.
24.—(1) I gcás inar ní ábhartha, in ionchúiseamh i leith ciona faoin bPríomh-Acht, deimhniú airm tine, ceadúnas faoi alt 17 den Phríomh-Acht, údarás faoi alt 2 den Phríomh-Acht, nó cead faoi alt 3 den Acht seo nó údarás faoi alt 13 den Acht seo a bheith ann nó gan a bheith ann, ní gá a chruthú nach bhfuil an deimhniú, an ceadúnas, an t-údarás nó an cead ann.
(2) I gcás ina ndéanfar, in ionchúiseamh i leith ciona faoin bPríomh-Acht, seilbh, úsáid nó iompar airm tine nó lóin lámhaigh ag duine a chruthú, ní gá a chruthú nach raibh teideal ag an duine arm tine nó lón lámhaigh a bheith ina sheilbh aige, a úsáid nó a iompar.
Leathnú ar ailt 23 agus 28 den Larceny Act, 1916.
1916, c. 50.
25.—(1) In ailt 23 agus 28 den Larceny Act, 1916, folóidh “offensive weapon” arm tine nach bhfuil luchtaithe agus arm tine bréige.
(2) San alt seo agus sa chéad dá alt eile ciallaíonn “arm tine bréige” aon ní nach arm tine, ach a bhfuil cosúlacht air gur arm tine é.
Arm tine a bheith ag duine agus é ag tógáil feithicle gan údarás.
26.—(1) Aon duine a sháróidh fo-alt (1) d'alt 112 den Acht um Thrácht ar Bhóithre, 1961, agus a mbeidh tráth an tsáraithe sin arm tine nó arm tine bréige leis beidh sé ciontach i gcion agus ar a chiontú ar dhíotáil dlífear fíneáil nach mó ná cúig chéad punt nó, de rogha na cúirte, pianseirbhís ar feadh téarma nach faide ná cúig bliana nó an fhíneáil agus an phianseirbhís sin araon a chur air.
(2) I gcás ina gcúiseofar duine i gcion faoin alt seo is cosaint mhaith ar an ionchúiseamh aige a shuíomh gur chun críche dleathaí a bhí an t-arm tine nó an t-arm tine bréige lena mbainfidh an t-ionchúiseamh leis nuair a rinne sé an gníomh a líomhnaítear gurb é an cion é faoi fho-alt (1) den alt sin 112.
Toirmisctear airm tine a úsáid chun comhrac in aghaidh gabhála nó cabhrú le héalú.
27.—(1) Ní dhéanfaidh aon duine arm tine ná arm tine bréige a úsáid ná a thaispeáint—
(a) chun comhrac, nó le linn a bheith ag comhrac, in aghaidh an duine sin nó duine eile á ghabháil ag comhalta den Gharda Síochána, nó
(b) chun cabhrú leis an duine sin nó duine eile éalú nó a theasargain, nó le linn an duine sin nó duine eile a bheith ag éalú nó á theasargain, as coimeád an Gharda Síochána nó duine i bhfeighil príosúin, forais athchuir, Foras Naomh Pádraig nó forais ina gcoinnítear geilt choiriúla (de réir bhrí an Achta um Dhlínse Choiriúil, 1960).
(2) Aon duine a sháróidh fo-alt (1) den alt seo beidh sé ciontach i gcion agus ar é a chiontú ar dhíotáil dlífear fíneáil nach mó ná cúig chéad punt nó, de rogha na cúirte, pianseirbhís ar feadh téarma nach faide ná cúig bliana nó an fhíneáil agus an phianseirbhís sin araon a chur air.
Aisghairm.
28.—(1) Cúlghairtear leis seo fo-alt (5) d'alt 3, alt 14 agus fo-alt (2) d'alt 17 den Phríomh-Acht.
(2) I gcás ina raibh, díreach roimh an Acht seo a rith, údarás i bhfeidhm faoi alt 14 den Phríomh-Acht measfar, ar an Acht seo a rith, deimhniú airm tine a bheith i bhfeidhm maidir leis an arm lenar bhain an t-údarás a thug an Ceannfort.
(3) Aon cheadúnas ócáideach a tugadh faoi fho-alt (2) d'alt 17 den Phríomh-Acht maidir le harm toirmiscthe agus a bhí i bhfeidhm díreach roimh an Acht seo a rith, measfar, ar an Acht seo a rith gur ceadúnas ócáideach é a tugadh faoi fho-alt (4) den alt sin 17 maidir leis an arm sin.
Gearrtheideal agus comhlua.
29.—(1) Féadfar Acht na nArm Tine, 1964, a ghairm den Acht seo.
(2) Féadfar Achtanna na nArm Tine, 1925 agus 1964, a ghairm d'Acht na nArm Teine, 1925 agus den Acht seo le chéile.
Number 1 of 1964.
FIREARMS ACT, 1964
ARRANGEMENT OF SECTIONS
Acts Referred to | |
1925, No. 17. | |
Police (Property) Act, 1897 | 1897, c. 30. |
Larceny Act, 1916 | 1916, c. 50. |
1961, No. 24. | |
1960, No. 27. | |
Number 1 of 1964.
FIREARMS ACT, 1964
Interpretation.
1.—(1) In this Act—
“the Commissioner” means the Commissioner of the Garda Síochána;
“the Minister” means the Minister for Justice;
“the Principal Act” means the Firearms Act, 1925;
“public place” means any place to which the public have access whether as of right or by permission and whether subject to or free of charge;
“Superintendent” means a Superintendent of the Garda Síochána and includes an Inspector of the Garda Síochána acting as a Superintendent.
(2) In this Act and in the Principal Act, references to the Principal Act shall, where the context so requires or permits, be construed as references to that Act as amended by this Act.
(3) This Act shall be construed as one with the Principal Act.
Extension of Principal Act to airguns.
2.—(1) In the Principal Act and this Act, “firearm” shall include an airgun (which expression includes an air rifle and an air pistol) and any other weapon incorporating a barrel from which metal or other slugs can be discharged and a prohibited weapon.
(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in the Principal Act, it shall not be an offence during the period of two months beginning on the date of the passing of this Act—
(a) for any person to have in his possession, otherwise than in a public place, an airgun or any other weapon (not being an airgun or weapon that was a firearm before the passing of this Act),
(b) for any person of or over the age of sixteen years to carry an airgun or any other weapon (not being an airgun or weapon that was a firearm before the passing of this Act) for the purpose of disposing of it to a firearms dealer or a person who is the holder of a firearm certificate in respect of the airgun or weapon or of another firearm which is in force or who is otherwise authorised under the Principal Act to have the airgun or weapon in his possession.
Temporary prohibition of game shooting.
3.—(1) The Minister may, on its being represented to him by the Minister for Lands that it is necessary to do so in the interests of the preservation of game, make an order prohibiting the use or carriage of firearms or of firearms of such class or classes as may be specified in the order in a public place or on any lands either throughout the State or in such area or areas as may be specified in the order during such period, not exceeding one month, as may be specified in the order.
(2) The Minister may by order, made after consultation with the Minister for Lands, amend or revoke an order under this section, including an order under this subsection.
(3) An order under this section shall not apply in relation to the use or carriage of firearms by members of the Defence Forces or the Garda Síochána or to the use or carriage of a firearm by a person to whom the Superintendent of any district has granted a permit which is in force to use and carry a firearm for a purpose (other than the shooting of game) specified in the permit in that district during a period specified in the permit, if the firearm is being used and carried in accordance with the terms of the permit.
(4) (a) Whenever an order under subsection (1) of this section is in force in relation to any district, the Superintendent of that district may, in his absolute discretion, grant to any person a permit to use and carry in that district for a purpose (other than the shooting of game) specified in the permit during a period specified in the permit a firearm to the use or carriage of which the order applies.
(b) The Superintendent of any district may revoke a permit granted under this section in relation to that district.
Temporary custody of firearms by Garda Síochána in interests of public safety.
4.—(1) The Minister may, if satisfied that it is necessary to do so in the interests of the public safety, make an order requiring every person residing in an area specified in the order and having possession of any firearm or ammunition or of a firearm or ammunition of such class or classes as may be specified in the order to surrender it on or before a date specified in the order to the Garda Síochána.
(2) An order under subsection (1) of this section shall remain in force for such period not exceeding one month as may be specified in the order.
(3) The Minister may by order amend or revoke an order under this section, including an order under this subsection.
(4) Whenever an order under subsection (1) of this section is in force a member of the Garda Síochána may seize a firearm or ammunition to which the order applies found in the area specified in the order after the date on or before which the firearm or ammunition is required by the order to be surrendered to the Garda Síochána and the Garda Síochána may, while the order remains in force, retain possession of any firearm or ammunition seized by or surrendered to them in pursuance of the order.
(5) As soon as may be after the time at which an order under subsection (1) of this section ceases to be in force, the Garda Síochána shall, subject to the provisions of the Principal Act, return any firearms or ammunition surrendered to or seized by them pursuant to the order to the owners thereof.
(6) An order under subsection (1) of this section shall not apply in relation to firearms or ammunition in the possession of members of the Defence Forces or the Garda Síochána.
Contravention of orders under sections 3 and 4.
5.—A person who contravenes a provision of an order under section 3 or section 4 of this Act shall be guilty of an offence under the Principal Act.
Provisions in relation to orders under sections 3 and 4.
6.—(1) An order under section 3 or section 4 of this Act shall be laid before each House of the Oireachtas as soon as may be after it is made and if a resolution annulling the order is passed by either such House within the next twenty-one days on which that House has sat after the order is laid before it, the order shall be annulled accordingly, but without prejudice to the validity of anything previously done thereunder.
(2) Whenever an order is made under section 3 or section 4 of this Act, notice of the making of the order and of its effect shall be published in at least one newspaper circulating in the area or each area to which the order applies.
Disposal of certain firearms and ammunition in the possession of the Garda Síochána.
7.—(1) References in this section to a firearm or ammunition that has come into the possession of the Garda Síochána are references to a firearm or ammunition that has come into the possession of the Garda Síochána before the passing of this Act pursuant to section 6 of the Principal Act or otherwise.
(2) The Commissioner may cause to be published in each daily newspaper published in the State a notice stating that any firearm or ammunition that has come into the possession of the Garda Síochána may be sold or destroyed unless the owner thereof makes claim and establishes his title thereto within the period of three months beginning on the date of the publication of the notice.
(3) Where a notice is published pursuant to subsection (2) of this section—
(a) the Commissioner shall cause to be sent by post to every person of whose address the Garda Síochána are aware and who is believed to be the owner of a firearm or ammunition that has come into the possession of the Garda Síochána a notice stating that the firearm or ammunition may be sold or destroyed unless the person makes claim and establishes his title thereto within the period of three months beginning on the date of the publication of the notice referred to in subsection (2) of this section,
(b) where the address of the person believed to be the owner is unknown or the Commissioner is of opinion that a notice as aforesaid would not be understood by such person, the Commissioner may, at his discretion, cause the notice to be sent by post or otherwise given to any member of the family of such person or to such other person, if any, as he may, in the particular circumstances, think appropriate.
(4) Where a notice is published pursuant to subsection (2) of this section and, in cases where it is appropriate, notice is given pursuant to subsection (3) of this section—
(a) a person who makes claim and establishes his title to a firearm or ammunition that has come into the possession of the Garda Síochána within the period specified in the notice published pursuant to subsection (2) of this section may, subject to the provisions of the Principal Act, cause the firearm or ammunition to be removed from the custody of the Garda Síochána within that period, and
(b) the Commissioner may cause to be sold any firearm or ammunition that has come into the possession of the Garda Síochána and is not claimed and removed from the custody of the Garda Síochána or to which title is not established to the satisfaction of the Commissioner within the period referred to in paragraph (a) of this subsection and shall, as soon as may be, cause the proceeds of the sale to be paid to the owner or, if the owner cannot be ascertained, for the benefit of the Exchequer, and
(c) the Commissioner may cause to be destroyed any firearm or ammunition that has been offered for sale under paragraph (b) of this subsection and has not been sold, if, in the opinion of the Commissioner, the firearm or ammunition is unlikely to be sold if offered for sale again and shall cause to be sent to any person who is believed to be the owner of the firearm or ammunition or (where appropriate) to another person in accordance with paragraph (b) of subsection (3) of this section a notice informing the person to whom it is sent of such destruction.
Disposal of firearms in certain circumstances.
8.—The following section is hereby substituted for section 6 of the Principal Act:
“When a Superintendent revokes a firearm certificate and the person who is the holder of the certificate has a firearm, with or without ammunition, in his possession in the State at the time of such revocation or where a person has a firearm, with or without ammunition, in his possession in the State but is not the holder of a firearm certificate in respect thereof and such possession is not otherwise authorised under this Act—
(a) the person shall forthwith deliver the firearm and ammunition (if any) to the Superintendent,
(b) the Superintendent shall forthwith cause the person to be informed by notice in writing of his right to dispose of the firearm and ammunition (if any) in any manner not contrary to law,
(c) upon such delivery, the person may dispose of the firearm and ammunition (if any) as aforesaid,
(d) if the person does not, within three months after the delivery of the firearm and ammunition (if any) to the Superintendent, arrange for its or their disposal in accordance with the provisions of this Act, inform the Superintendent of the arrangements and carry out the arrangements, the Superintendent may send to the person by post to his last known address a notice informing him that unless arrangements of the kind aforesaid are made, communicated to the Superintendent and carried out within one month after the date on which the notice is sent, the firearm and ammunition (if any) will be sold or destroyed,
(e) if within one month after the date on which the notice aforesaid is sent, arrangements of the kind aforesaid are not made, communicated to the Superintendent and carried out, the Superintendent may cause the firearm and ammunition (if any) to be sold and shall, as soon as may be, cause the proceeds of the sale to be paid to the person,
(f) the Superintendent may cause to be destroyed any firearm or ammunition that has been offered for sale under paragraph (e) of this section and has not been sold if, in the opinion of the Superintendent, the firearm or ammunition is unlikely to be sold if offered for sale again and shall send to the person by post to his last known address a notice informing him of such destruction,
(g) where the address of the person is unknown or the Superintendent is of opinion that notices as aforesaid would not be understood by the person, the Superintendent may, at his discretion, send the notices by post or otherwise give them to any member of the family of the person or to such other person, if any, as he may, in the particular circumstances, think appropriate.”
Renewal of firearm certificate.
9.—(1) A firearm certificate granted by a Superintendent after the appointed day may, upon the application of the holder thereof, be renewed from time to time by the Superintendent of the district in which the holder resides.
(2) Where a firearm certificate is renewed under this section, the certificate shall continue in force until the 31st day of July next after the date of such renewal, but a renewal of a certificate granted before the 31st day of July in any year may be expressed to commence on the next following 1st day of August and shall in that case be in force on and from such 1st day of August until the next following 31st day of July.
(3) A renewal of a firearm certificate shall be in the form prescribed by regulations made by the Minister under section 27 of the Principal Act.
(4) (a) A firearm certificate granted by a Superintendent may be renewed by a member of the Garda Síochána not below the rank of Sergeant in the district in which the holder of the certificate resides if and so long as he is so authorised in writing by the Superintendent of that district.
(b) The power of renewal conferred by this subsection shall be subject to such reservations (if any) as may be specified in the authority of the Superintendent.
(c) The power of renewal conferred by this subsection shall not enable the member exercising it in any district to refuse to renew any particular firearm certificate unless the Superintendent of that district has authorised him to refuse to renew that particular certificate.
(5) In subsection (1) of this section “the appointed day” means the day appointed by the Minister by order to be the appointed day for the purposes of that subsection.
Period of validity of firearm certificate granted by Minister.
10.—Notwithstanding anything contained in subsection (3) of section 3 of the Principal Act, a firearm certificate granted by the Minister after the passing of this Act shall, subject to the other provisions of the Principal Act, continue in force for the period of twelve months beginning on the date on which it is expressed to commence.
Change of firearm to which firearm certificate relates.
11.—(1) Subject to subsection (3) of this section, the Minister may substitute for the description of a firearm in a firearm certificate granted by him the description of another firearm and, upon such substitution, the certificate shall have effect in relation to that other firearm and shall not have effect in relation to the first-mentioned firearm.
(2) Subject to subsection (3) of this section, the Superintendent of any district or any member of the Garda Síochána in any district duly authorised to do so by the Superintendent of that district may substitute for the description of a firearm in a firearm certificate held by a person residing in that district the description of another firearm and, upon such substitution, the certificate shall have effect in relation to that other firearm and shall not have effect in relation to the first-mentioned firearm.
(3) A substitution under this section in a firearm certificate shall not be effected unless the rate of excise duty chargeable in respect of a renewal of the certificate after the substitution does not exceed the rate chargeable immediately before such substitution.
Limited use of shot-gun.
12.—(1) Where the firearm described in a firearm certificate is a shot-gun, the certificate may be expressed, and in such case shall operate, to authorise the use of the gun only for killing animals or birds other than game by the person to whom the certificate is granted either (as may be expressed in the certificate)—
(a) on land occupied by him, or
(b) on land occupied by another person.
(2) A certificate in the form referred to in subsection (1) of this section (in this section referred to as a limited certificate) relating to land occupied by a person other than the person to whom the certificate is granted shall not be granted unless the occupier of the land has given the applicant for the certificate a nomination in writing for holding the certificate.
(3) A limited certificate relating to any land shall not be granted in respect of any period if there is already in force in respect of that period a limited certificate relating to that land.
(4) A limited certificate shall not be granted unless the whole of the land to which it would relate is occupied by the same person.
(5) Where a nomination referred to in subsection (2) of this section is revoked, the limited certificate to which it related shall not, if it is then in force, be capable of being renewed.
Sale of firearms by auctioneers.
13.—(1) Notwithstanding anything contained in section 10 of the Principal Act, an auctioneer who stands authorised under this section may sell, expose for sale and have in his possession for sale, by auction in the ordinary course of his business as an auctioneer, a firearm or ammunition: Provided that in the case of a sale, the firearm or ammunition is not delivered to the purchaser until he produces to the auctioneer a firearm certificate which is in force authorising him to purchase the firearm or ammunition or proves that he is lawfully entitled to have possession of the firearm or ammunition without having a firearm certificate therefor.
(2) The Superintendent of any district may authorise in writing an auctioneer in that district to sell, expose for sale and have in his possession for sale, by auction a firearm or ammunition during such period, not exceeding one year, as may be specified in the authorisation.
(3) A Superintendent shall not grant an authorisation under this section to an auctioneer unless he is satisfied, having regard to all the circumstances (including the provision made or to be made for the storage of the firearms and ammunition to which the authorisation, if granted, would relate), that the sale, exposing for sale or possession of firearms or ammunition in pursuance of the authorisation will not endanger the public safety or the peace.
(4) A Superintendent may impose in relation to the grant of an authorisation under this section such conditions (if any) as he considers necessary to prevent danger to the public and, where a condition is imposed, it shall be specified in the authorisation.
(5) An authorisation under this section may be revoked at any time by the Superintendent of the district in which it was granted.
(6) A person who contravenes a condition imposed in relation to the grant of an authorisation under this section shall be guilty of an offence under the Principal Act.
Amendment of section 1 of Principal Act.
14.—Section 1 of the Principal Act is hereby amended by the insertion after subsection (2) of the following subsection:
“(3) In this Act references to a Superintendent of the Garda Síochána include references to an Inspector of the Garda Síochána acting as a Superintendent.”
Amendment of section 2 of Principal Act.
15.—Section 2 of the Principal Act is hereby amended by—
(a) the insertion in paragraph (g) of subsection (3) after “humane killer” of “or ammunition therefor”, and
(b) the insertion after subsection (3) of the following subsection:
“(4) This section shall not apply to any of the following cases and such cases are accordingly excepted from this section, that is to say:
(a) the possession, use or carriage of a firearm or ammunition by an employee of a registered firearms dealer in the ordinary course of business of the dealer as a firearms dealer,
(b) the possession or carriage of a firearm or ammunition by an employee of a person engaged in the business of carrying or of warehousing goods for reward in the ordinary course of such business,
(c) the possession or carriage of a firearm or ammunition for purposes of sale by an auctioneer who stands authorised under section 13 of this Act or by an employee of such an auctioneer in the ordinary course of business as an auctioneer,
(d) the possession, use or carriage of a firearm or ammunition by a member of a rifle club or other gun club that stands authorised under this section while engaged as such member in a competition or target practice at a range or other place that stands authorised under this section,
(e) the possession, use or carriage of a firearm (other than a shot-gun) of a calibre not exceeding .23 inches or of ammunition by a person operating a range or shooting gallery in an amusement hall or at a fun fair, carnival or other like event for the purposes of the range or shooting gallery who stands authorised in that behalf under this section or by a person using such range or shooting gallery,
(f) the possession, use or carriage of a firearm or ammunition by a person taking part in a theatrical performance or rehearsal or in the production of a cinematograph film for the purpose of the performance, rehearsal or production, being a performance, rehearsal or production the person in charge of which stands authorised in that behalf under this section,
(g) the possession, use or carriage of a firearm or blank ammunition for the purpose of starting athletic races by a person who stands authorised in that behalf under this section,
(h) the possession, use or carriage of a firearm or blank ammunition provided by the Minister for Defence by a person taking part in a ceremony of any kind for the purposes of the ceremony, being a person who stands authorised in that behalf under this section.
(5) (a) The Superintendent of any district may authorise in writing the possession, use or carriage of firearms or ammunition in that district in any of the circumstances specified in paragraphs (d), (e), (f), (g) or (h) of subsection (4) of this section during such period, not exceeding one year, as may be specified in the authorisation.
(b) A Superintendent shall not grant an authorisation under this section unless he is satisfied having regard to all the circumstances (including the provision made or to be made for the storage of the firearms and ammunition to which the authorisation (if granted) would relate and the supervision of their use) that the possession, use or carriage, as the case may be, of firearms or ammunition in pursuance of the authorisation will not endanger the public safety or the peace.
(c) Where it is proposed to grant an authorisation under this section in respect of a rifle or other gun club or a range or other place referred to in paragraph (d) of subsection 4 of this section, the authorisation shall be granted to an officer of the club nominated by the club or to the person in charge of the range or other place as the case may be, and where there is a contravention of a condition imposed in relation to the grant of such an authorisation and the contravention is proved to have been committed with the consent or approval of or to have been facilitated by any neglect on the part of the person to whom the authorisation is granted, that person shall be guilty of an offence under this Act.
(d) A Superintendent may impose in relation to the grant of an authorisation under this section such conditions (if any) as he considers necessary to prevent danger to the public and, where a condition is imposed, it shall be specified in the authorisation.
(e) An authorisation under this section may be revoked at any time by the Superintendent of the district in which it is granted.
(f) A person who contravenes a condition imposed in relation to the grant of an authorisation under this section shall be guilty of an offence under this Act”.
Amendment of section 3 of Principal Act.
16.—Section 3 of the Principal Act is hereby amended by—
(a) the substitution of “before the 31st day of July in any year” for “during the month of July” in subsection (3), and
(b) the substitution for subsection (4) of the following subsection—
“(4) Every firearm certificate shall be in the prescribed form and shall operate and be expressed to authorise the person to whom it is granted—
(a) to have in his possession, use and carry the particular firearm described in the certificate, and
(b) to use ammunition in the firearm and to have in his possession at any one time and carry so much ammunition for the firearm as shall be specified in the certificate”.
Amendment of section 8 of Principal Act.
17.—Section 8 of the Principal Act is hereby amended by—
(a) the substitution of “sixteen years” for “fifteen years” in paragraph (a) of subsection (1),
(b) the deletion of paragraphs (d) and (e) of subsection (1) and the insertion of the following paragraphs:
“(d) any person who has been sentenced by any court in the State to penal servitude or to imprisonment for any term which has not expired or has expired within five years previously for a crime in the course of which a firearm was used or a firearm or an imitation firearm was produced for the apparent purpose of intimidating any person or a threat to use a firearm against any person or property was made, and
(e) any person who has been sentenced by any court in the State to penal servitude or to imprisonment for any term of not less than three months which has not expired or has expired within five years previously for a crime consisting of or including an assault on any person, and”.
Amendment of section 9 of Principal Act.
18.—Section 9 of the Principal Act is hereby amended by the deletion in subsection (3) of “the number of registered firearms dealers in the neighbourhood in which the applicant proposes to carry on business,”.
Amendment of section 10 of Principal Act.
19.—Section 10 of the Principal Act is hereby amended by—
(a) the substitution of “any person” for “any firearms dealer” and “such person” for “such firearms dealer” in subsection (2), and
(b) the substitution for subsection (4) of the following subsection:
“(4) It shall not be lawful for any registered firearms dealer to return to any person a firearm or ammunition given to the dealer for repair, test or proof unless the person—
(a) produces a firearm certificate authorising him to have possession of the firearm or ammunition, or
(b) proves to the satisfaction of the dealer that he is entitled to have possession of the firearm or ammunition without having a firearm certificate therefor, and”.
(c) the insertion in paragraph (b) of subsection (6) after “letting on hire” of “, giving” and after “hiring” of “, receiving”.
Amendment of section 16 of Principal Act,
20.—Section 16 of the Principal Act is hereby amended by the insertion in subsection (4) before “the firearm” of “or consigning for export”.
Amendment of section 17 of Principal Act.
21.—(1) The restriction imposed by section 17 of the Principal Act on the importation into the State of firearms shall not apply in relation to the importation of a firearm by the holder of a firearm certificate in respect of the firearm which is in force.
(2) The said section 17 is hereby amended by—
(a) the deletion in subsection (3) of “(not exceeding six months)”, and
(b) the deletion in subsection (4) of “(not being more than one month)”.
Amendment of section 21 of Principal Act.
22.—Section 21 of the Principal Act is hereby amended by the substitution of the following subsection for subsection (6):
“(6) Where a firearm or ammunition is seized under this section or under section 22 of this Act and a prosecution for an offence under this Act in relation to the firearm or ammunition is not instituted, the firearm or ammunition shall be—
(a) returned to the person who is the owner, consignor or consignee thereof, as may be appropriate, or disposed of, subject to the provisions of this Act, in accordance with the directions of such person, or
(b) made the subject of an application to the District Court under the Police (Property) Act, 1897, and disposed of in accordance with the terms of the order made by the District Court under that Act in relation to the application.”
Amendment of section 24 of Principal Act.
23.—Section 24 of the Principal Act is hereby amended by the substitution of “forty-eight hours” for “twenty-four hours” in subsection (2).
Onus of proof.
24.—(1) Where, in a prosecution for an offence under the Principal Act, the existence or non-existence of a firearm certificate, a licence under section 17 of the Principal Act, an authorisation under section 2 of the Principal Act, a permit under section 3 of this Act or an authorisation under section 13 of this Act is material, it shall not be necessary to prove that the certificate, licence, authorisation or permit does not exist.
(2) Where, in a prosecution for an offence under the Principal Act, possession, use or carriage of a firearm or ammunition by a person is proved, it shall not be necessary to prove that the person was not entitled to have in his possession, use or carry a firearm or ammunition.
Extension of sections 23 and 28 of Larceny Act, 1916.
25.—(1) In sections 23 and 28 of the Larceny Act, 1916, “offensive weapon” shall include a firearm that is not loaded and an imitation firearm.
(2) In this section and the next two sections “imitation firearm” means anything which is not a firearm but has the appearance of being a firearm.
Possession of firearm while taking vehicle without authority.
26.—(1) A person who contravenes subsection (1) of section 112 of the Road Traffic Act, 1961, and who at the time of such contravention has with him a firearm or an imitation firearm shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction on indictment to a fine not exceeding five hundred pounds or, at the discretion of the court, to penal servitude for a term not exceeding five years or to both such fine and penal servitude.
(2) Where a person is charged with an offence under this section, it shall be a good defence to the charge for him to show that he had the firearm or imitation firearm to which the charge relates with him for a lawful purpose when he did the act alleged to constitute the offence under subsection (1) of the said section 112.
Prohibition of use of firearms to resist arrest or aid escape.
27.—(1) A person shall not use or produce a firearm or an imitation firearm—
(a) for the purpose of or while resisting the arrest of such person or of another person by a member of the Garda Síochána, or
(b) for the purpose of aiding or in the course of the escape or rescue of such person or of another person from the custody of the Garda Síochána or of the person in charge of a prison, remand institution, Saint Patrick's Institution or an institution where criminal lunatics (within the meaning of the Criminal Justice Act, 1960) are detained.
(2) A person who contravenes subsection (1) of this section shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction on indictment to a fine not exceeding five hundred pounds, or, at the discretion of the court, to penal servitude for a term not exceeding five years or to both such fine and penal servitude.
Repeals.
28.—(1) Subsection (5) of section 3, section 14 and subsection (2) of section 17 of the Principal Act are hereby repealed.
(2) Where, immediately before the passing of this Act, there was in force an authorisation under section 14 of the Principal Act there shall, upon such passing, be deemed to be in force a firearm certificate relating to the weapon to which the authorisation related granted by a Superintendent.
(3) An occasional licence granted under subsection (2) of section 17 of the Principal Act in relation to a prohibited weapon, and in force immediately before such passing, shall, upon such passing, be deemed to be an occasional licence granted under subsection (4) of the said section 17 in relation to that weapon.
Short title and collective citation.
29.—(1) This Act may be cited as the Firearms Act, 1964.
(2) The Firearms Act, 1925, and this Act may be cited together as the Firearms Acts, 1925 and 1964.