Irish minister urges public not to use fireworks illegally

Fireworks are dangerous and the public need to be aware of the severe criminal penalties that can apply if fireworks are used illegally, an Irish minister warned on Thursday.

In the run up to this year's Halloween on Saturday, Irish Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald spoke of the dangers and penalties associated with the illegal use of fireworks.

She urged the public not to use fireworks themselves but instead to try to attend organized events run by professional operators who have the competence to put on spectacular fireworks displays in a safe environment.

"Unfortunately, during the Halloween period each year, a number of people are injured, some badly, as a result of the misuse of fireworks," she said.

"The number of hospital admissions as a result of firework related injuries decreasing from over 30 in 2009 to just four in 2014. However, there is still no room for complacency when it comes to delivering the safety message," she added.

Fitzgerald said fireworks hold a particular appeal for young people and that many of the casualties are often children or teenagers who can suffer serious burns or eye injuries or worse.

The Irish minister referred to the severe criminal penalties that apply in respect of illegal fireworks.

"Fireworks are not only dangerous, there are severe criminal penalties that, in my opinion, are fully justified and rightly apply."

For example, igniting an illegal firework in any place, throwing an ignited firework at a person or property or being in possession of illegal fireworks with intent to sell or supply can result in a fine of up to 10,000 euros (10,979 U.S. dollars) or five-year imprisonment, according to the minister. Endit