asked the Minister for Justice if he has received representations recently, on behalf of a number of persons residing in the Stradbally and Timahoe areas, Laoighis, requesting him to sanction reductions of fines imposed for cutting trees without a permit; whether a period of three months was allowed to pay the amounts involved; whether his Department authorised the issue of warrants for collection of the fines or imprisonment of those concerned before the expiration of the period mentioned; and if he will now state whether he is prepared to sanction a reduction in the fines, or what action he has taken or proposes to take in these cases.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tree Cutting Fines.
I presume the Deputy is referring to proceedings taken against a number of persons in the Stradbally District Court on the 3rd September, 1947, for breaches of the Forestry Act, 1933. Representations were made to me on behalf of seven of the persons convicted of these charges with a view to a reduction of the fines imposed on them. In two cases I have intimated to the persons who made the representations that I am not prepared to grant any mitigation of the penalties imposed by the district justice. Inquiries are still proceeding in respect of the other cases. No direction was issued by the Department of Justice for the issue of warrants before the expiration of the period allowed by the court.