AQW 44522/22-27

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 any assessment her Department has undertaken of the impact of proposed firearms licensing fee increases on rural communities and farm businesses.

Answer:

A draft Rural Needs Impact Assessment has been developed as part of the Consultation on Proposed Amendments to Firearms Licensing Fees and the ‘Banded System’ and is available to view on the Department’s website.

I am mindful of the impact on those who rely on firearms within rural communities and farm businesses. My Department welcomes views on any social, economic, environmental or rural impacts as part of the consultation process.

The licensing fee is the same for all applicants, including for those using a firearm for legitimate purposes within the farming industry. Each firearms certificate applicant must be assessed to be a “fit” person and have “good reason” for each firearm or ammunition holding applied for.

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