McDowell warns on importing fireworks

People attempting to bring fireworks illegally over the Border could have their cars confiscated, Minister for Justice Michael McDowell warned yesterday.

He said that while no legislation was needed on fireworks, he echoed remarks by Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny that the law was the law and must be respected.

"People are queuing up north of the Border, with the intention of bringing them south. If a customs officer stops them, which I hope happens, there will be criminal prosecutions and their cars are liable to be confiscated.

"I warn people that the law is tougher than it was and the consequences for breaking it are serious." Mr McDowell was replying to Mr Kenny, who asked what operation would be put in place next week to enforce criminal law relating to fireworks.

"This week, firecrackers have been thrown at petrol stations and at cars."

Mr Kenny said that gardaí had made valiant efforts, but the matter related to the enforcement of existing laws.

"This is important given the potential gravity of such attacks and the fear engendered, particularly in the elderly."

Labour's Joe Costello said that penalties were likely to be ineffective without an effort to co-ordinate the legislation on both sides of the Border.