Vol. 379 No. 6
asked the Minister for Justice if he will indicate the number of applications made under the Street and House-to-House Collections Act, 1962, to Garda superintendents for permission to sell Easter lilies; the number of permits granted; whether any persons were arrested in connection with the sale of these items during the past few weeks; whether any prosecutions will be forthcoming; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
28.
asked the Minister for Justice if he has satisfied himself that the Street and House-to-House Collections Act, 1962, is sufficient to curb the fund-raising activities of illegal organisations; and if he has any plans to amend this legislation.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 18 and 28 together.
I am informed by the Garda Authorities that 17 applications were received this year by chief superintendents of the Garda Síochána for collection permits in connection with the sale of Easter lilies. Eight applications were granted. I am further informed that no persons were arrested in connection with the sale of Easter lilies in recent weeks. I have no function in relation to prosecutions which are matters for the Garda Síochána acting, where necessary, on the advice of the Law Officers.
As has been indicated to the House on a number of occasions in the past, I could not state in response to a parliamentary question what proposals I might have for legislative changes in particular areas. Such proposals are announced in the ordinary way only after Government approval. I can say, however, that I am unaware of any inadequacy in the legislation in question and, accordingly, have no proposals at present for amending legislation.
