A public consultation in Northern Ireland on proposals to amend
firearm licensing has been withdrawn.
The consultation, conducted by the Department of Justice, was
seeking views on proposals to achieve full cost recovery of
firearms licensing.
It was also considering proposals to add to the calibres of
firearms that may be exchanged in a “one-off-one-on” transaction
carried out by a registered firearms dealer.
Announcing the decision to withdraw the public consultation,
Justice Minister said: “I wish to
acknowledge and thank those that have responded to the
consultation to date; however, following its launch, the
Department has received feedback and responses from consultees
and stakeholder groups seeking additional information and raising
concerns on related matters.
“Having considered those issues and in light of recent advice
from officials, I have decided to withdraw the consultation at
this time.
“Whilst Northern Ireland's firearms licensing fees continue to be
heavily subsidised from the core PSNI budget, I believe that it
is important to address the concerns raised and my Department
will take time to carefully consider the issues highlighted.
“I hope that by withdrawing the current consultation, it will
provide the space for positive engagement, in good faith, to find
a way forward as the current situation is not sustainable.
“Department officials will seek to engage with stakeholders to
understand the concerns raised, explore options and develop
proposals to inform a new consultation which will launch at a
later date.”
Notes to editors:
1. The Department launched the consultation, on 30 March
2026, seeking views on proposals to amend The Firearms (NI) Order
2004, namely Schedule 1A, commonly referred to as the “banded
system”, and Schedule 6, firearms licensing fees. The
consultation was due to end on 29 May 2026.
