It has emerged that the Gardai have lost or mislaid files containing sensitive data on hundreds of gun owners across the country.

According to the Sunday Business Post, the files include the names and addresses of people who possess shotguns and rifles.

Other details, such as where firearms are stored for safekeeping when premises are vacant, are also included in the material.

The Data Protection Commission has confirmed it received a number of complaints regarding the loss of the data at a number of Garda stations around the country.

The Former Justice Minister, Nora Owen, says it raises serious concern for firearm license holders: