McDowell plans new firearms controls
Justice Minister Michael McDowell has revealed he was hoping to tighten controls on firearms and introduce stiffer penalties for the illegal possession of guns.
Minister McDowell revealed he was considering introducing an amnesty for people who hand in illegal firearms.
Meanwhile he has resurrected his plan to hire 2,000 new gardaí following an upturn in the public finances.
Mr McDowell said today that he was planning to seek cabinet approval to bring garda numbers up from 12,000 to 14,000.
The plan was shelved last year due to a shortage of money, but Mr McDowell is hoping to convince his cabinet colleagues that it can now be afforded.
