The Fire Arms (Temporary Provisions) Act, passed last year, is due to expire on the 4th of next month. It is my intention to introduce a Bill containing permanent provisions for the regulation of the possession of firearms and, in fact, a Bill for that purpose is already in draft, but as it contains proposals to consolidate the Gun Licence Act, 1870, and certain other enactments dealing with the issue of game certificates it could not conveniently be brought into effect until 1st August, as that is the end of the present licensing year for gun licences. In the circumstances it seems more desirable to continue the existing temporary Act until 1st August. I hope to introduce the permanent Bill at an early date, so that it can receive full discussion by the Dáil before 1st August. The object of consolidation is in the interests of both public convenience and administrative convenience. I therefore move for leave to introduce the Firearms (Temprary Provisions) (Continuance) Bill, 1925.
Leave given to introduce the Bill.
Bill read a First Time; Second Stage ordered for Wednesday, 18th March.