asked the Minister for Justice when the owners of licensed guns may expect to have them returned.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Licensed Gun Owners.
33.
(Cavan): I would refer the Deputy to the Minister's reply to Question No. 6 of 13th December, 1973, when he said it is necessary, in the public interest, that the surrendered firearms should remain in Garda custody in present circumstances and he is unable to say when it will be possible to return them to their owners. The position is unchanged.
Deputy Davern rose.
Deputy Lemass.
I thought you were trying to do me down again, a Cheann Comhairle.
The Deputy who had the question down was entitled to precedence. I saw the Deputy rising. Deputy Davern.
Could the Minister state if persons who have surrendered firearms and who were prepared to have them neutralised in the fashion approved by the Garda authorities would have those firearms returned to them at this stage?
(Cavan): That appears to be a separate question and raises matters other than that raised in the question. If the Deputy puts down a question I am sure it will be dealt with.
I understand the motive for the taking in of these guns was that private people were being raided by subversive organisations to get possession of them. Can I take it that that danger still exists to the same extent?
(Cavan): The reply states that in present circumstances it is considered necessary in the public interest to retain firearms that have been surrendered.
I thoroughly agree with the contents of the reply.
Could I ask the Minister if he would state why the Garda have returned the shot gun to the Minister for Defence, Mr. Donegan?
That is a separate matter.
The only weapon that we know was used against human beings was used by the Minister for Defence.