asked the Minister for Justice if he will state whether shot-guns were taken by the Gárda Síochána from the following persons in County Waterford:— Edmond Quann, Lackindarra, Ballinamult; Thomas O'Grady, Scart, Ballinamult; —— McGrath, Boulavonteen, Ballinamult; Edmond P. Cullinan, Lackindarra, Ballinamult; Edmond Wall, Castlereagh, Ballymacarberry; who were in possession of, or had applied for, the usual licence during the month of August, 1927, and, if so, for what reason action was thus taken.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - SHOT GUNS TAKEN BY GÁRDAÍ.
Mr. SEAN GOULDING
Mr. FITZGERALD-KENNEY
The persons named in the question applied to the local Superintendent of the Gárda Síochána for firearm certificates under the Firearms Act, 1925. The Superintendent was not satisfied as required by Section 4 of that Act that the applicants could be permitted to have possession of firearms and ammunition without danger to the public safety or to the peace. He, accordingly, refused the applications and took possession of the firearms in accordance with Section 6 of the Act. I am satisfied that the Superintendent exercised his statutory discretion in a proper manner.
Mr. GOULDING
Is the Minister aware of the hardship this inflicts on the farmers? They have got no protection against the destruction of their crops, and will he take steps to see that these guns are restored to them?
Mr. FITZGERALD-KENNEY
There is a certain duty put on the Superintendent of the Civic Guard by this Act that firearms are only to be allowed to certain persons, and those persons in question do not come within the category to whom firearms should be allowed.
Mr. MULLINS
Only to members of the local branch of the Cumann na nGaedheal.
Mr. KILLANE
Are we to understand that arms are to be allowed only to members of the Cumann na nGaedheal?