asked the Minister for Home Affairs if he is aware that considerable dissatisfaction exists amongst the farmers by reason of (1) the delay in returning to their owners shot-guns taken by the British authorities in Pre-Truce period; (2) the refusal of the present authorities to give permits for the purchase of shot-guns; further, whether the Minister is aware that owing to the destruction caused by ground game and wild birds the prospects of the growing crops are seriously endangered, and to ask if he will state definitely the position as regards these guns and arrange for their distribution under whatever regulations he may deem necessary.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. [ORAL ANSWERS.] - SHOT-GUNS IN THE SAORSTÁT.
Mr. O'HIGGINS
I am aware that there has been a large number of applications for the return to their owners of shot-guns taken by the British authorities in the Pre-Truce period, and also that a large number of applications has been made for permits for the purchase of shot-guns. Having regard to the condition of affairs in the country, the Government, acting on the advice of the Army Council, have not considered it desirable to return the arms taken by the British or to permit the purchase of shot-guns up to the present. The preparation of regulations governing the control of firearms generally is now under consideration and it is hoped that they can be published at an early date. By the time these regulations are issued it is considered that general conditions in the country will warrant the return of arms taken by the British and the issue of permits to approved persons for the purchase of shot-guns.
Is it to the Ministry for Home Affairs or to the Minister for Defence that applications for these permits are to be made?
Mr. O'HIGGINS
The regulations will state clearly to whom the application should be made. It will be to a civil department—that is, to the Home Affairs Office.