2D. (1) Subject to subsections (2), (3) and (4), a person who acquires or possesses a firearm or ammunition classified in Category A of the Directive shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable—

(a) on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding €5,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or both, and

(b) on conviction on indictment, to a fine not exceeding €20,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 7 years or both.

(2) Subsection (1) shall not, during the period beginning on 1 September 2019 and ending on 29 February 2020, apply to the possession of a firearm classified in point 6, 7 or 8 of Category A of the Directive by—

(a) a person who is the holder of a firearm certificate, which is in force, in respect of the firearm, or

(b) a registered firearms dealer who has lawfully purchased the firearm concerned by way of trade or business.

(3) This section shall not apply to—

(a) the possession, in accordance with an authorisation under section 2(7), of a firearm classified in Category A of the Directive, or

(b) the acquisition of a firearm referred to in paragraph (a) for the purpose of possessing it in accordance with an authorisation referred to in that paragraph.

(4) This section shall not apply to the acquisition or possession of a firearm or ammunition under the authority of the Minister for Defence for use by the Defence Forces of the State or under the authority of the Minister for use by any lawful police force in the State.]