Citation(s) from the GunPolicy.org literature library
Ireland. 2020 ‘International Transfers.’ National Report of Ireland on its Implementation of the United Nations Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects (UNPoA); Section 2, p. 6. New York NY: Permanent Mission of Ireland to the United Nations. 1 January
Relevant contents
Laws, regulations and administrative procedures
3.1. Does your country have laws, regulations or administrative procedures to exercise effective control over the export, import, transit or retransfer of SALW? YES
3.1.1. List laws, regulations or administrative procedures to exercise effective control over the export, import, transit or retransfer of SALW
As there is no exporting industry for SALW in Ireland, most applications for the export of weapons relate to the personal exportation of individual shotguns for sporting / heritage purposes. Consequently many of the questions in this and other segments are not applicable. Export control over SALW and associated risk assessments and controls are designed to take account of infrequent exports of single firearms in well defined circumstances.
The Firearms Acts 1925-2009 provide for restrictions on the importation of firearms.
Any person wishing to import a firearm into the State must apply to the Department of Justice and Equality for an importation licence. A licence will not be granted unless the applicant has a good reason for importing it and granting the licence would not prejudice public safety and security. The Control of Exports Act, 2008 and Statutory Instrument No. 356/2018 - Control of Exports (Brokering Activities, Goods and Technology) Order 2018 establish an export licensing regime for export and brokering of military equipment, including Small Arms and Light Weapons. This legislation gives effect to European Council Common Position 2008/944/CFSP defining common rules governing control of exports of military technology and equipment. The military equipment within scope of the legislation is set out in the EU Common Military List.
Transfers of military equipment within the EU are governed by Directive 2009/43/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council simplifying terms and conditions of transfers of defence-related products within the Community, as amended. This Directive has been transposed into national legislation by Statutory Instrument No. 291/2019 - European Communities (Intra-Community Transfers Of Defence Related Products) (Amendment) Regulations 2019.
[SALW = Small Arms and Light Weapons]