I think there will be general agreement on the broad principle of this Bill—that it is necessary or very advisable to have proper legal control of lethal weapons within the country. The purpose of the Bill is to continue the provisions that were contained in the late Public Safety Act, 1923, and the lifetime of this Bill will be twelve months. There is little reason, indeed, why a permanent measure for the control of firearms should not be introduced, and such a measure is in course of preparation. It is because there are some details that will need to be worked out with the Revenue Authorities and the Post Office that this Temporary Bill is now introduced, pending the introduction of a permanent measure which will consolidate, and we hope improve, the law with regard to firearms.
FIREARMS (TEMPORARY PROVISIONS) BILL, 1924—SECOND STAGE
Mr. O'HIGGINS
It will be generally agreed, I think, that there is necessity for regulations and restrictions on the import, manufacture, and possession of and dealing in firearms. Regarding the power that is given to the Minister for the making of regulations and prescribing punishments—the regulations to be made being forthwith laid before each House of the Oireachtas—
The practice of extending powers to Ministers by regulations, especially when prescribing punishments, is hardly satisfactory. I hope the Minister will agree in this case, at any rate, and, if possible, make it a practice to ensure that not only will the regulations be formally laid on the table, but that they will be circulated to Deputies and a real opportunity be given for the consideration of the regulations before they are put in force. I think we are in danger of allowing too many laws to be enacted by decree, Ministers merely waiting for a vote of the Dáil to remit or annual such decrees. I utter this word of warning that the method of legislation laid down in the Bill by making regulations prescribing punishments within certain limits, is a dangerous one, and ought not to be followed too far.
Mr. O'HIGGINS
I would have no objection to circulating to Deputies any regulations made under Section 2.