The appellants submitted that the control of firearms was a policing matter and due to the fact that statute regulated such power, did not make their control any less. The appellants also argued that because a licensing function had been conferred on Garda Superintendents, as persona designata, that power could be exercised at absolute discretion. It was also submitted that the Firearms Acts had the intention of local level senior officers granting firearm certificates. Finally, it was submitted that; it was not logical that the Oireachtas would remove, from the Commissioner, any power to ensure minimum acceptable standards of public safety; such a structure would be inconsistent with the purpose of the police force.
