AQW 44520/22-27

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 22/04/2026
Answered On Date: 07/05/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Justice to detail (i) any consideration her Department has given to the impact of proposed firearms licensing fee increases on individuals who hold a personal protection weapon; and (ii) whether any mitigations or exemptions are being considered.

Answer:

While mindful of the impact on those who rely on firearms for legitimate purposes, including personal protection, the licensing fee is the same for all applicants. There are no plans for mitigations or exemptions as each applicant must be assessed, not only for their “fitness”, but also for their “good reason” to possess firearms and/or ammunition, irrespective of the reason for the application.

The current fee does not reflect the cost of delivering the firearms licensing service by the PSNI. There is a clear challenge in ensuring that the service is adequately resourced to meet demand and most importantly, maintain public safety. My Department welcomes views on any social, economic, environmental or rural impacts as part of the consultation process.

The Department’s consultation on proposals to amend firearms licensing fees and the “banded system” is open until 29 May 2026 after which all responses will be considered in developing the Department’s final proposals.