asked the Minister for Justice the number of licences granted by the courts and permits granted by Garda superintendents under the Gaming and Lotteries Act, 1956, in each year since 1962; and the annual total value of prizes in lotteries.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Gaming and Lottery Permits.
47.
Compilation of the information sought would require inquiries in every police district throughout the country and would occupy the time of a great number of garda who would, in my view, be better employed on their primary duties in the prevention and detection of crime.
Would the Minister agree with me that he gave this information on a previous occasion?
I am not giving it to the Deputy now.
Will the Minister say why it is that, having given it on a previous occasion, he is unwilling to give it now? Is it because the Guards are now being used to carry out the Government's filthy work keeping men in jail and not caring to tell their relatives where they are?
(Interruptions.)