Explanatory Memorandum

Firearms (Northern Ireland) Order 2004

2004 No. 702

Notes on Articles

Article 7 - Grant of a firearm certificate to young persons

Provides that the Chief Constable may grant a firearm certificate to a young person of between 16 and 18 years. Where the young person resides and works on agricultural land he may be granted a certificate for an air gun, a shotgun or a .22 rimfire rifle for the purpose of pest control or the protection of livestock on those lands. A young person may also be granted a certificate for an air gun or a shotgun, for sporting purposes.  He must be supervised for a period of at least 12 months when in possession of the firearm and any ammunition by someone of 21 years or over who has held a certificate for that type of firearm for at least 3 years.