asked the Taoiseach if he will state the number of prosecutions taken for offences under the Emergency Powers Acts, 1939 to 1941, distinguishing prosecutions for noncompliance with the Tillage Orders; and, further, if he will state the number of such prosecutions in which the penalties inflicted by the courts under the said Acts are alleged to be insufficient or unduly lenient.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Prosecutions Under Emergency Powers Acts.
The information asked for by the Deputy is not readily available. Moreover, its preparation would involve the expenditure in more than one Department of a great deal of time and labour and would necessitate the diversion of staff from essential and pressing duties. In the circumstances I do not feel justified in asking the various Departments concerned to prepare it.
As regards the penalties, I gave a number of instances during the course of the Second Stage of the Emergency Powers (Continuance and Amendment) Bill on the 1st July in which prima facie, the penalties imposed appeared to be unduly lenient.