Gunbelievable
3,600 weapons destroyed in a year by Forces
THE Defence Forces had to destroy more than 3,600 weapons last year, including valuable rifles.
Strict rules forbid the Irish military from selling weaponry – but sources reckon the decommissioned shooters could have netted a significant cash pot for the State.
Inventory shows 1,714 pistols, many of them Brownings; 1,555 rifles, mostly Lee-enfield .303 rifles; 208 light machine guns and 96 heavy machine guns were scrapped.
A source said the rifles were still valuable to collectors and, had they been sold, could have generated a significant payback for the exchequer.
In addition, 23 20mm cannons were destroyed, along with three mortars, seven anti-tank guns, and 564 assorted barrels for the weapons that were disposed of.
A further 155,438 associated spare parts were also scrapped.
Internal records detail how the Defence Forces’ hands were tied over how they could dispose of the weapons.
A letter from Jacqui Mccrum, the Secretary General of the Department of Defence, said permission had been granted for sale of some of the weapons in 2012.
But under new rules introduced three years later weapons and ammunition are only to be sold back to the manufacturer or another government.
Ms Mccrum said that based on that policy change and the absence of a buyer for the weapons, she would “welcome plans for the destruction event” last July. Ms Mccrum wrote: “I would, however, emphasise the need for thorough, detailed and documented records of the items destroyed to facilitate of reconciling … items procured with public funds.” Internal emails also describe how some of the weapons were held back for museum or display purposes after first being deactivated. Security analyst Declan Power said: “It’s another example of how the Defence Forces have their hands tied behind their back in ways that do not always benefit them. “Some of these items have a resale value and they could be sold on to at least get some return from the taxpayer, or at least for that option to be explored. Asked about the records, the Defence Forces said they had nothing further to add.