New legal measures to stop the importation, sale and use of fireworks have been proposed by Minister for Justice Michael McDowell.
This follows the publication of research commissioned by the Minister which indicates that the public is broadly in favour of the policy of banning the importation of fireworks for sale.
Mr McDowell proposes to bring forward amendments to the Criminal Justice Bill 2004 which will provide for a new offence of possession of illegally imported fireworks with intent to supply; new offences governing the misuse of fireworks in public places; and "meaningful increases" in penalties governing the illegal importation, sale and use of fireworks.
At present it is illegal to import any category of firework for the purpose of sale to the general public.
Licences are only issued for organised events - such as the Dublin Skyfest - which are undertaken by professional operators.
"My aim is to ensure that a robust legal enforcement regime is put in place which will fully protect the public from the misuse of fireworks and I commend the work of the gardaí in successfully confiscating illegal fireworks," said Mr McDowell.
A draft EU directive aimed at ensuring the free movement of fireworks within the EU is currently under discussion in the EU Commission.