8. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if there are targeted measures in place to reduce the prevalence of illegal fireworks both nationally and locally, and particularly in Dublin North-West; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54149/25]

Sentiment score: -0.01

Will the Minister of State make a statement to the House on targeted measures that may be put in place to reduce the prevalence of illegal fireworks, locally and nationally?

Sentiment score: -0.56

I thank the Minister of State. He is correct that we are heading into the autumn season and Hallowe'en festivities. Increasingly every year, that season opens earlier. I heard reports in late August of this year of fireworks being used in my area. The Minister of State outlined the impact that fireworks had on animals, family pets, livestock and so on. They have an impact on other children as well, who feel less safe, particularly on Hallowe'en night. There is also a danger to people because, effectively, these are unregulated illegal products. They pose a danger. Are the penalties in place, particularly for importation and sale, sufficient? They currently stand at €10,000 or up to five years' imprisonment. If one were to go to any part of Dublin in the next couple of weeks, one would not know that fireworks were illegal. I accept it is a complicated matter but I believe we need to review the penalties involved.

Sentiment score: -0.01

I would welcome that correspondence. I point out the considerable work of Dublin Fire Brigade in trying to dissuade people. I also acknowledge the work of the local authorities, particularly Dublin City Council, in respect of pro-social activity. I encourage anybody in the city to come to either the Finglas Fright Night or the Ballymun Otherworld festival. They are fantastic family-fun events that are packed with culture and lots of local community celebrations. They are very positive. They have effectively eliminated bonfires in our area by providing an alternative. The issue of fireworks is complex. We do not necessarily want to be displacing significant amounts of Garda time, which we know is under pressure in a range of other areas. It is a difficult situation for people to accept, namely that something is illegal and the law is being broken in such a significant way. Perhaps a review by the Department of this area is required.

Sentiment score: 0.18