asked the Minister for Justice whether he will take steps to reduce the price of a game licence to 10/- in the case of persons visiting Ireland for a period not exceeding a fortnight, and whether he can arrange for such licences to be issued with less delay than has hitherto been customary.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Game Licences.
The question of granting short-term firearm certificates at reduced rates to visitors to the Saorstát has already received careful consideration, but I am not satisfied that it would be desirable to make any such alteration in the existing law. I have caused inquiries to be made into the allegation that there is delay in connection with the issue of these certificates, and I am not satisfied that there is any foundation for the allegation. Applications for firearm certificates received in my Department from visitors are dealt with promptly, usually on the day of receipt. If, however, the Deputy will furnish any instances in which delay is alleged to have occurred, I will have them investigated.
My information is that the average delay is ten days or a fortnight. I would ask the Minister to consider, if he has not considered it already, whether it would not contribute to a considerable increase in sporting tourist traffic if a reduction were made in the price of game licences. I have heard various cases of people who were put off coming to Ireland for a sporting holiday by the act that it was necessary to pay £2 for such a short holiday.