Mr Patsy McGlone (Mid Ulster): To ask the Minister of Justice to detail any engagement her Department has had with the PSNI, over the last five years, in respect of adding calibres to the banded system to make the firearms licensing system more efficient, by reducing the administrative burden on the PSNI’s Firearms and Explosives Branch.
Minister of Justice: My officials in Firearms and Explosives Branch have regular engagement with their counterparts in PSNI’s Firearms and Explosives Branch on firearms related matters of mutual interest, including discussions on the current banded system and suggestions that have been put forward by interested parties for amendments.
Following a request via the Justice Committee in 2020, my officials requested PSNI’s views on the proposed changes to the banded system. At that time PSNI wished to conduct an operational review of the operation of the banded system.
Further discussions took place in December 2024 and in early 2025. PSNI has indicated support for some of the changes proposed, but further discussion on the detail will be required. Any formal proposals for change will require public consultation and legislation to be brought forward.
ENDS
Your MLA 