The emergency legislation which would relax procedures for the issuing of gun and hunting licences to foreign shooters has been warmly welcomed by the Irish Farmers' Association, but strongly criticised by domestic gaming enthusiasts and animal rights campaigners.
The legislation, to be presented to the Dail early next week by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, attempts to overcome a High Court ruling two weeks ago which found the Government was in breach of its own rules on the issuing of such licences to non-nationals.
The IFA president, Mr Tom Parlon, welcomed the Government action, saying: "Tillage farmers are facing substantial financial losses in this crucial sixweek period prior to the harvest from bird damage to grain crops and other tillage crops such as peas.
"Every year tourist shooters have provided effective control of bird numbers in crops in an organised and responsible fashion," said Mr Parlon.
The National Association of Regional Game Councils (NARGC), which took the case, accused Mr O'Donoghue of panicking under pressure from tourshoot operators, who met the Minister yesterday at Leinster House.
"The Firearms Act has served us well and has kept firearms well regulated. This legislation is going to water down that for the benefit of a small golden circle, quite a number of whom are operating in the black economy," said Mr Des Crofton, director of the NARGC, which represents almost 900 gun clubs.
Mr Crofton said the issue of licensing guns to foreigners was of serious concern for the security of the State. "These are people of whom we know nothing. To remove the requirement for carrying out checks is dangerous. And to have it done by emergency legislation is a national disgrace."
The Minister said the High Court judgment had profound implications for the overseas shooting-tourism business. About 4,000 overseas firearms certificates are issued annually, with up to £21 million generated by the market each year.
The Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Ms de Valera, said that without amending legislation 3,000 foreign shooters who might be applying for hunting licences in the coming months could not be facilitated. "That in turn would have very serious implications for some 25 Irish-based businesses involved in the provision of hunting holidays for persons resident outside the State, a niche industry that makes an important contribution to the Irish economy."
She said the intention was that the Bill, an amendment of the Firearms Act, 1925, would be enacted by the Oireachtas before the summer recess. The issue would receive a more detailed examination in the forthcoming Wildlife Bill, currently at draft stage and due in the autumn.
The Campaign for the Abolition of Cruel Sports criticised the Government's attempt to "roll back" on the High Court judgment.
"The ruling meant that people coming here for driven shoots would be subject to very severe restrictions. We are already regarded internationally as a haven for shooting. This legislation will make things worse in that regard," said a spokesman.