Restrictions Introduced On Firearms Certs For Semi-automatic Rifles.

Commencement of new firearms measures under the Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2023.

Section 10 of the Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2023 has been commenced with effect from August 1st 2023. This section provides for restrictions on firearms certificates for semi-automatic centre-fire rifles.

**Total number of semi-automatic centre fire rifles imported into the State from January 2015 – December 2021 amounted to 97 weapons, with 59 unlicenced.**

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 August 1st 2023, are revoked with effect from November 1st 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 September 18th 2015 and was in force on August 1st 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.