“We have a big problem with gun crime,” TD raises concerns during firearms debate
TD Paul Lawless warns Mayo communities are being used as a ‘dumping ground’ as Dáil backs EU firearms trafficking directive
Mayo TD Paul Lawless used a Dáil debate on a new European Union directive aimed at combating firearms trafficking to highlight concerns about the housing of former prisoners in parts of the county.
The Aontú TD raised the issue during yesterday’s (Wednesday, June 17) debate on Ireland opting into an EU proposal designed to strengthen measures against illegal firearms trafficking, organised crime and the growing threat posed by illicit weapons across Europe.
While expressing support for efforts to tackle gun crime, Deputy Lawless said rural communities were facing significant challenges linked to the placement of individuals released from prison into accommodation centres in Mayo.
“We have a big problem with gun crime in this country. It is important that we work collectively with other countries to stop that,” he told the Dáil. “Crime is causing enormous stress for rural communities.”
However, he argued that insufficient supports were being provided for people leaving prison and claimed some local authorities were placing former prisoners in locations including Knock, Balla and Crossmolina without appropriate rehabilitation structures.
“I have been reliably informed that Roscommon County Council is sending persons released from prison to landlords in Mayo,” Deputy Lawless said. “Mayo should not be used as a dumping ground.”
He told the Dáil he had been informed that individuals released from prison were being accommodated in private facilities in Mayo without professional support services, counselling or risk assessment programmes.
“There is a better way,” he said, pointing to what he described as a more structured approach in Galway, where former prisoners are supported through professionally managed step-down services.
Deputy Lawless called on the Department of Justice to examine the situation in Mayo and ensure that people leaving prison are provided with proper rehabilitation pathways.
The comments came during a debate on a Government motion seeking approval for Ireland to opt into a proposed EU directive on combating firearms trafficking and related offences.
Speaking in the Dáil, Minister of State at the Department of Justice Catherine Ardagh said the directive would introduce common definitions for firearms offences across EU member states, strengthen cooperation between countries and address emerging threats such as the illicit production of weapons using 3D-printing technology.
She stressed that the proposal would not affect legally held firearms used for hunting, farming or sporting purposes.
The directive is intended to tackle the trafficking, manufacture and possession of illicit firearms while improving data sharing and coordination between law enforcement agencies across Europe.
At the conclusion of the debate, the motion was approved by the Dáil, allowing Ireland to participate in negotiations on the proposed legislation from the outset rather than joining after its adoption.