(1) If a Superintendent of the Garda Síochána, or as the case may be, the Minister refuses an application for a certificate of fitness, he or she shall, on the request in writing of the applicant made not later than 14 days after the refusal, give the applicant a statement in writing of the reasons for the refusal.

(2) A person to whom a certificate of fitness has been refused may, not later than 14 days after receiving a statement in writing under subsection (1), appeal the refusal to the District Court.

(3) A person who brings an appeal under this section shall, in such manner and within such period as may be prescribed give notice of the appeal to the Superintendent of the Garda Síochána concerned or, as the case may be, the Minister.

(4) The District Court may, upon an appeal under this section, either -

(a) affirm the refusal, or

(b) grant the appeal and direct the Superintendent of the Garda Síochána concerned, or as the case may be, the Minister to issue a certificate of fitness to the appellant.

(5) The Superintendent of the Garda Síochána concerned or, as the case may be, the Minister shall comply with a direction of the District Court under this section not later than 3 days after the giving of the direction.