asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware that a shot gun, held under a game licence, the property of Wm. Stokes, Glasnamullan, Kilpeder, Co. Wicklow, has been taken from him by the Gárda Síochána, and, if so, if he will state the reasons for this action.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Revocation of Game Licence.
The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The taking up of Mr. Stokes's gun followed the revocation of the firearm certificate which had been issued to him. Repeated complaints reached the police that Mr. Stokes was poaching and shooting over other people's land. On the 4th March, 1930, the local Superintendent of Police while proceeding on inspection duty observed Mr. Stokes coming from land, not his property, and over which he admitted he had no permission to shoot, with a gun, a rabbit and several rounds of ammunition. This circumstance, together with the frequent complaints received, led the Superintendent to revoke the firearm certificate held by Mr. Stokes.