In regard to a question raised by Deputy O'Neill, the Ceann Comhairle is the sole judge of the relevancy and number of supplementary questions. Naturally, if the Deputy who tabled a question rises to ask a supplementary, the Chair sees him. I am informed that Deputy O'Neill did rise, but he was anticipated by other Deputies, and, without establishing a precedent, I shall allow Deputy O'Neill to ask a supplementary question now.
Supplementary Question—Draws and Lotteries.
The question I wanted to ask was one of general—not of particular—interest. It is a matter in connection with draws and lotteries proclaimed by the police, under the instructions of the Minister for Justice. Does the Minister know that permission was granted to a certain organisation to carry on a prize drawing, or had they been told by the police that they would not be interfered with in carrying out such drawing? I ask the Minister to make this matter of the lotteries question more clear, as a lot of these drawings are being carried on in the feeling that they are within the existing law.
I am not aware that any exceptions were made. The instructions the police get are very definite. So far as enlightening the Deputy as to the Lotteries Act, I can only say this: that all these lotteries except the Hospitals Sweepstakes are illegal. The practice has obtained for a long time that, for charitable purposes, certain drawings are allowed to be carried on where the first prize does not exceed £30 and the total prizes £100. That has been in existence for a number of years here. The only exception I can make is that, while perhaps not strictly legal, permits for charitable purposes have been given, as in the case of the Saint Vincent de Paul Society in Cork. The only exception to that was where a motor-car was being raffled, and a similar case arose in Donegal—for purely charitable purposes—but they must be charitable, and where the first prize does not exceed £30, and the total prizes do not exceed £100, the police do not interfere.
No exception will be made except in matters referred to the Minister.
No exception except it is shown that they are for charitable purposes.
And the Minister is to be the arbiter.
If any Deputy has a grievance he can raise it here.
I hope the Minister will not leave it to police officers to settle.
Does the Vice-President anticipate our meeting next week?
That will depend on whether the business on the Order Paper has been got through.
Has he any view on the subject?
My own view is that we should not meet next week if we can avoid it.