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Uimhir 26 de 1931.
ACHT TORA TALMHAÍOCHTA (PRÁTAÍ), 1931.
CUID I.
Roimhraiteach.
Gearr-theideal agus tosach feidhme.
1.—(1) Féadfar an tAcht Tora Talmhaíochta (Prátaí), 1931, do ghairm den Acht so.
(2) Tiocfaidh an tAcht so i ngníomh pé lá ceapfar chuige sin le hordú ón Aire.
Mínithe.
2.—San Acht so—
cialluíonn an abairt “an tAire” an tAire Talmhaíochta;
cialluíonn an focal “cigire” éinne dá n-údaróidh an tAire i scríbhinn (go generálta no chun críche speisialta) gach comhacht no aon chomhacht no gach dualgas no aon dualgas dá mbronntar no dá bhforchuirtear leis an Acht so ar chigire d'fheidhmiú no do chólíonadh;
cialluíonn an abairt “prátaí síl” prátaí atá le cur;
cialluíonn an abairt “prátaí bídh” prátaí nách prátaí síl;
foluíonn an focal “pacáiste” aon mhála, sac, bosca, cás, bairille no gléas coinneála eile ina mbeidh prátaí no ina bhféadfadh prátaí bheith;
cialluíonn an focal “orduithe” orduithe le rialacháin ar n-a ndéanamh fén Acht so.
CUID II.
Aitreabhacha do Chlaru agus Easportalaithe do Cheadunu.
Clár d'áitreabhacha pacála prátaí.
3.—(1) Cuirfidh an tAire fé ndeár go gcoimeádfar clár (ar a dtabharfar mar ainm agus mar theideal an clár d'áitreabhacha pacála prátaí) d'áitreabhacha i Saorstát Éireann ina ndeintear prátaí do ghrádú agus do phacáil chun iad d'easportáil.
(2) Cuirfear sa chlár san an t-eolas so leanas i dtaobh gach áitreibh a clárófar ann, sé sin le rá:—
(a) ainm agus tuairisc iomlán dhílseánach an áitreibh (dá ngairmtear an dílseánach cláruithe san Acht so), agus
(b) tuairisc ar shuidheamh an áitreibh is leor chun an áitreibh agus teoranta agus méid an áitreibh d'aithint.
(3) San Acht so cialluíonn an abairt “áitreabh cláruithe” áitreabh a bheidh cláruithe sa chlár d'áitreabhacha pacála prátaí.
Na coinníollacha bhainfidh le háitreabhacha do chlárú.
4.—Sara gcláróidh an tAire áitreabh ar bith sa chlár d'áitreabhacha pacála prátaí déanfa sé deimhin de—
(a) go bhfuil déanamh an áitreibh oiriúnach chun oiread prátaí do ghrádú agus do phacáil ann chun iad d'easportáil is dóich leis an Aire a grádófar agus a pacálfar san áitreabh san;
(b) go bhfuil san áitreabh slí, cóir oibre, feistisí, agus fearaistí atá oiriúnach chun prátaí do ghrádú agus do phacáil do réir an Achta so agus do réir rialachán ar n-a ndéanamh fé;
(c) go bhfuil obair ghrádaithe agus phacála na bprátaí san áitreabh fé stiúradh duine is dóich leis an Aire atá cáilithe chun a thógaint air féin prátaí do ghrádú agus do phacáil no chun na hoibre sin do mhaoirseacht.
Iarratas ar áitreabh do chlárú.
5.—(1) Isé dhéanfaidh gach iarratas ar áitreabh ar bith do chlárú fén gCuid seo den Acht so ná dílseánach an áitreibh sin agus is i scríbhinn sa bhfuirm agus sa tslí orduithe déanfar san agus beidh an t-eolas orduithe ann.
(2) Pé uair a déanfar iarratas fén alt so ar áitreabh ar bith do chlárú cuirfidh an tAire fé ndeár go ndéanfaidh cigire an t-áitreabh san d'iniúchadh.
(3) Sara ndiúltfaidh an tAire do ghéilleadh d'iarratas ar áitreabh ar bith do chlárú fén gCuid seo den Acht so cuirfe sé fógra coicíse tríd an bpost chun an iarratasóra, go dtí n-a sheola mar a bheidh san iarratas, á rá go bhfuil an tAire chun diúltadh do ghéilleadh don iarratas san agus ag luadh na réasún atá leis an diúltadh san agus breithneoidh sé cúis ar bith a phléidhfidh an t-iarratasóir roimh dhul in éag don fhógra san.
(4) Má dhiúltann an tAire do ghéilleadh d'iarratas ar áitreabh ar bith do chlárú fén alt so, ní chuirfidh san cosc le hiarratas nua do dhéanamh aon uair ina dhiaidh sin, ach féadfaidh an tAire diúltadh do ghéilleadh d'aon iarratas nua den tsórt san gan a chur fé ndeár an t-áitreabh d'iniúchadh arís.
Ceadúnaisí easportálaithe.
6.—(1) Féadfaidh an tAire ceadúnas (dá ngairmtear ceadúnas (generálta) easportálaí san Acht so) chun prátaí d'easportáil o aon áitreabh cláruithe do dheonadh d'éinne—
(a) is dílseánach cláruithe aon áitreibh chláruithe, agus
(b) a iarrfaidh, sa bhfuirm agus sa tslí orduithe, ceadúnas (generálta) easportálaí.
(2) Maidir le gach ceadúnas (generálta) easportálaí—
(a) is sa bhfuirm orduithe bheidh sé, agus
(b) déarfaidh agus déanfa sé an té dá ndeonfar é do cheadúnú chun prátaí d'easportáil o aon áitreabh cláruithe fé réir forálacha an Achta so agus fé réir rialachán ar n-a ndéanamh fé.
(3) Féadfaidh an tAire ceadúnas (dá ngairmtear ceadúnas (fásóra) easportálaí san Acht so) chun prátaí d'easportáil o áitreabh chláruithe áirithe do dheonadh d'éinne—
(a) is dílseánach cláruithe an áitreibh sin, agus
(b) is fásóir prátaí, agus
(c) a iarrfaidh an ceadúnas (fásóra) easportálaí sin ar an Aire sa bhfuirm agus sa tslí orduithe, agus
(d) do bhéarfaidh an t-eolas orduithe don Aire.
(4) Ní dheonfaidh an tAire ceadúnas (fásóra) easportálaí go ceann deich lá fichead tar éis an dáta ar a bhfuighidh an tAire an t-iarratas ar an gceadúnas san.
(5) Maidir le gach ceadúnas (fásóra) easportálaí—
(a) is sa bhfuirm orduithe bheidh sé agus luadhfar ann an t-áitreabh gur ina thaobh a bheidh sé á dheonadh agus pé eolas eile a hordófar;
(b) déarfaidh agus déanfa sé an té dá ndeonfar é do cheadúnú chun prátaí d'fhás sé féin d'easportáil ón áitreabh san fé réir forálacha an Achta so agus fé réir rialachán ar n-a ndéanamh fé;
(c) is fé réir na gcoinníoll so leanas (dá ngairmtear san Acht so na coinníollacha reachtúla bhaineann le ceadúnas (fásóra) easportálaí) a deonfar é agus déarfar ann gur fé n-a réir atá sé á dheonadh, sé sin le rá:—
(i) ná déanfaidh a shealbhóir aon phrátaí d'easportáil fé ach prátaí d'fhás sé féin,
(ii) ná déanfaidh a shealbhóir níos mó ná céad tonna prátaí d'easportáil fé in aon bhliain chaileandair áirithe.
(6) San Acht so cialluíonn an abairt “easportálaí (generálta) ceadúnuithe” duine is sealbhóir de thurus na huaire ar cheadúnas (generálta) easportálaí bheidh i bhfeidhm de thurus na huaire agus cialluíonn an abairt “easportálaí (fásóir) ceadúnuithe” duine is sealbhóir de thurus na huaire ar cheadúnas (fásóra) easportálaí bheidh i bhfeidhm de thurus na huaire.
(7) San Acht so cialluíonn an abairt “ceadúnas easportálaí” ceadúnas ar bith a dheonfaidh an tAire fén alt so, agus cialluíonn an abairt “easportálaí ceadúnuithe” duine is sealbhóir de thurus na huaire ar cheadúnas easportálaí bheidh i bhfeidhm de thurus na huaire.
(8) Deimhniú fhéachfaidh bheith fé láimh oifigigh don Aire bheidh údaruithe chuige sin ag an Aire, á dheimhniú nách sealbhóir ar cheadúnas easportálaí duine a hainmnítear sa deimhniú san, beidh san ina fhianaise prima facie ar na nithe deimhnítear amhlaidh agus ní bheidh sé riachtanach sighniú an oifigigh sin do chruthú ná a chruthú gurb é an t-oifigeach san é dáiríribh ná go raibh an t-údarás san aige.
Táillí ar cheadúnaisí (generálta) easportálaí agus na ceadúnaisí sin do thabhairt amach.
7.—(1) Íocfaidh an t-iarratasóir leis an Aire ar gach iarratas ar cheadúnas (generálta) easportálaí táille de phunt agus deich scillinge is ionaisíoctha leis an iarratasóir má diúltar do ghéilleadh dá iarratas agus beidh sé ina choinníoll, le cólíonadh sara mbreithneoidh an tAire an t-iarratas, an táille sin d'íoc.
(2) Más rud é, tar éis iarratais ar cheadúnas (generálta) easportálaí do bhreithniú dho, gur dóich leis an Aire gur cheart an ceadúnas san do dheonadh, cuirfe sé fé ndeár fógra i scríbhinn á rá san do chur chun an iarratasóra.
(3) Más rud é, ar fháil fógra do réir an fho-ailt sin roimhe seo dho, go n-íocfaidh an t-iarratasóir táille bhreise de thrí puint déag agus deich scillinge leis an Aire, bhéarfaidh an tAire ceadúnas (generálta) easportálaí amach do láithreach.
Táillí ar cheadúnaisí (fásóirí) easportálaithe agus na ceadúnaisí sin do thabhairt amach.
8.—(1) Íocfaidh an t-iarratasóir leis an Aire ar gach iarratas ar cheadúnas (fásóra) easportálaí táille de dheich scillinge is ionaisíoctha leis an iarratasóir má diúltar do ghéilleadh dá iarratas agus bheidh sé ina choinníoll, le cólíonadh sara mbreithneoidh an tAire an t-iarratas san, an táille sin d'íoc.
(2) Más rud é, tar éis iarratais ar cheadúnas (fásóra) easportálaí do bhreithniú dho, gur dóich leis an Aire gur cheart an ceadúnas san do dheonadh, cuirfidh an tAire fé ndeár fógra i scríbhinn á rá san do chur chun an iarratasóra.
(3) Más rud é, ar fháil fógra do réir an fho-ailt sin roimhe seo dho, go ndéanfaidh an té d'iarr ceadúnas (fásóra) easportálaí táille bhreise de cheithre puint agus deich scillinge d'íoc leis an Aire, bhéarfaidh an tAire ceadúnas (fásóra) easportálaí amach láithreach don iarratasóir sin i gcionn na tréimhse de dheich lá fichead o dháta an iarratais no láithreach ar an táille bhreise sin d'fháil má bhíonn an tréimhse sin caithte an uair sin.
Táillí cigireachta.
9.—(1) Ar gach consighneacht phrátaí thaisbeánfa sé do chigire chun a scrúduithe fén Acht so íocfaidh gach easportálaí (generálta) ceadúnuithe leis an Aire, san am agus sa tslí foráltar leis an Acht so, táille (dá ngairmtear táille chigireachta san Acht so) do réir na bhforálacha so leanas, sé sin le rá:—
(a) is do réir an méid tonna prátaí bheidh sa chonsighneacht san a háireofar an táille chigireachta agus is do réir an ráta fé seach in aghaidh gach tonna luaidhtear sa bhfo-alt so bheidh sé;
(b) más in áitreabh cláruithe dar dílseánach cláruithe an t-easportálaí sin do rinneadh na prátaí sa chonsighneacht san do ghrádú agus do phacáil, isé ráta bheidh ortha ná—
(i) reul más prátaí bídh iad, agus
(ii) pé ráta (nách mó ná naoi bpingne an tonna) a hordófar más prátaí síl iad;
(c) más in áitreabh cláruithe nách dílseánach cláruithe dho an t-easportálaí sin do rinneadh na prátaí sa chonsighneacht san do ghrádú agus do phacáil, isé ráta bheidh ortha ná—
(i) pé ráta (nách mó ná naoi bpingne an tonna) a hordófar más ag stáisiún bóthair iarainn no ar chaladh taisbeánfar na prátaí sin chun a scrúduithe (pe'ca prátaí bídh no prátaí síl iad),
(ii) pé ráta (nách mó ná scilling an tonna) a hordófar más in aon áit eile taisbeánfar na prátaí sin chun a scrúduithe (pe'ca prátaí bídh no prátaí síl iad).
(2) Ar gach consighneacht phrátaí thaisbeánfa sé do chigire chun a scrúduithe fén Acht so íocfaidh gach easportálaí (fásóir) ceadúnuithe leis an Aire, san am agus sa tslí foráltar leis an Acht so, táille a háireofar do réir an méid tonna prátaí bheidh sa chonsighneacht san (agus is táille chigireachta gairmtear den táille sin, leis, san Acht so) agus is do réir pé ráta (nách mó ná reul in aghaidh gach tonna de phrátaí bídh agus naoi bpingne in aghaidh gach tonna de phrátaí síl) a hordófar a bheidh an táille sin.
(3) Chun méid aon táille cigireachta is inéilithe fén alt so d'áireamh beidh éifeacht ag na forálacha so leanas, sé sin le rá:—
(a) tuigfear i dtaobh tagartha ar bith san alt so do mheáchaint phrátaí gur tagairt í do mheáchaint na bprátaí sin agus na bpacáistí ina mbeid;
(b) más lugha ná tonna meáchaint na bprátaí i gconsighneacht ar bith tuigfear gur tonna meáchaint na bprátaí sin;
(c) más nó ná tonna meáchaint na bprátaí i gconsighneacht ar bith no más mó ná aon líon de thonnaí iomlána é tuigfear gur tonna an bhreis sin.
An t-am agus an tslí chun táillí cigireachta d'íoc.
10.—(1) Chó luath agus is féidir é tar éis gach tréimhse chuntasaíochta gheobhaidh an tAire amach sa tslí orduithe an méid (más éinní é) atá dlite ar scór táillí cigireachta ar gach easportálaí ceadúnuithe ar phrátaí do thaisbeáin an t-easportálaí sin do chigire i rith na tréimhse sin chun go scrúdódh an cigire sin iad fén Acht so agus bhéarfaidh amach deimhniú (dá ngairmtear deimhniú féichiúnais san alt so) sa bhfuirm orduithe ag deimhniú an méid atá dlite ar an easportálaí ceadúnuithe sin ar scór táillí cigireachta in aghaidh na tréimhse cuntasaíochta san.
(2) Beidh gach deimhniú féichiúnais ina fhianaise dho-chlaoite ar gach ní fhéachfaidh bheith á dheimhniú ann.
(3) Chó luath agus is féidir é tar éis gach deimhniú féichiúnais do thabhairt amach seirbheálfar cóip de, tríd an bpost, ar an easportálaí ceadúnuithe deimhnítear leis an deimhniú san do bheith i bhfiacha ar scór táillí cigireachta agus an tsuim a deimhnítear leis an deimhniú san do bheith iníoctha tiocfa sí chun bheith agus beidh sí dlite ar an easportálaí ceadúnuithe sin agus iníoctha aige sin leis an Aire díreach ar sheirbheáil na cóipe sin agus, i gcionn ceithre seachtaine o am na seirbheála san, féadfaidh an tAire an tsuim sin do bhaint amach mar fhiacha gnáth-chonnartha in aon chúirt dlighinse inniúla.
(4) Má theipeann ar easportálaí cheadúnuithe, no má leigeann sé i bhfaillí, an tsuim a deimhnítear le deimhniú féichiúnais do bheith iníoctha aige d'íoc fé cheann ceithre seachtaine tar éis cóipe den deimhniú san do sheirbheáil air, féadfaidh an tAire ceadúnas an easportálaí cheadúnuithe sin do cheiliúradh ach ní shaorfaidh an ceiliúradh san an t-easportálaí ceadúnuithe sin o n-a bheith air an tsuim sin d'íoc.
(5) Má ceiliúrtar ceadúnas easportálaí fén bhfo-alt san roimhe seo beidh clárú an áitreibh dar dílseánach cláruithe é, sa chlár d'áitreabhacha pacála prátaí, beidh sé, de bhuadh an fho-ailt seo, ar nea-mbrí ón dáta ar ar ceiliúradh an ceadúnas san agus ní clárófar an t-áitreabh san arís sa chlár san faid a bheidh an tsuim no aon chuid den tsuim gan íoc gurb é a neamh-íoc fé ndeár an ceiliúradh san.
(6) Chun crícheanna an ailt seo is tréimhse chuntasaíochta gach tréimhse acu so leanas, sé sin le rá:—
(a) gach tréimhse ráithe dar tosach aon 1adh lá d'Eanar;
(b) gach tréimhse ráithe dar tosach aon 1adh lá d'Abrán;
(c) gach tréimhse de shé mhí dar tosach aon 1adh lá d'Iúl.
Cé chuige go dtuitfidh ceadúnas ar éag dá shealbhóir.
11.—Má éagann easportálaí ceadúnuithe tuitfidh an ceadúnas easportálaí bheidh aige chun a ionadaí phearsanta dhlíthiúla mar chuid dá estát phearsanta.
Ceadúnas easportálaí d'aistriú.
12.—Ar a iarraidh sin d'easportálaí cheadúnuithe no, más cólucht ionchorparuithe an t-easportálaí ceadúnuithe sin, do shocruitheoir an chóluchta san, no d'ionadaí phearsanta dhlíthiúil easportálaí cheadúnuithe mhairbh, féadfaidh an tAire an ceadúnas a bheidh ag an easportálaí ceadúnuithe sin d'aistriú chun duine eile, ach ní haistreofar ceadúnas easportálaí amhlaidh chun duine ná beidh, ar dháta an aistrithe sin, ina dhílseánach chláruithe áitreibh chláruithe.
Ceadúnaisí easportálaí do cheartú agus do cheiliúradh.
13.—(1) Féadfaidh an tAire aon uair ceadúnas easportálaí d'atharú no do cheiliúradh ar iarratas shealbhóra an cheadúnais sin no ar iarratas a ionadaí phearsanta dhlíthiúil mas duine an sealbhóir sin no ar iarratas a shocruitheora más cólucht ionchorparuithe an sealbhóir sin.
(2) Féadfaidh an tAire ceadúnas easportálaí do cheiliúradh aon uair gan aon iarratas den tsórt san d'fháil más deimhin leis—
(a) gur tré chalaois do fuarthas an ceadúnas san no tré chamthuairisc, pe'ca calaoiseach di sin no nárbh eadh; no
(b) gur scuir an t-áitreabh dar dílseánach cláruithe sealbhóir an cheadúnais sin de bheith cláruithe sa chlár d'áitreabhacha pacála prátaí; no
(c) má ba dhuine sealbhóir an cheadúnais sin, go bhfuair sé bás no, má ba chólucht ionchorparuithe é, gur scuireadh é agus nár aistrigh an tAire an ceadúnas san fén Acht so chun duine eile laistigh de ráithe tar éis an bháis no an scurtha san; no
(d) gur tugadh mar bhreith ar shealbhóir an cheadúnais sin é do bheith gnó-bhriste; no
(e) i gcás ceadúnais (generálta) easportálaí gur mar leanas do bhí in aon bhliain chaileandair seachas an chéad bhliain chaileandair tar éis an dáta ar ar tugadh amach an ceadúnas san, eadhon—
(i) nár easportáil sealbhóir an cheadúnais sin aon phrátaí i rith na bliana san, no
(ii) más prátaí bídh amháin d'easportáil an sealbhóir sin i rith na bliana san, gur lugha ná trí chéad tonna an méid do heasportáladh amhlaidh, no
(iii) más prátaí síl amháin d'easportáil an sealbhóir sin i rith na bliana san, gur lugha ná céad go leith tonna an méid do heasportáladh amhlaidh, no
(iv) má easportáil an sealbhóir sin prátaí bídh agus prátaí síl i rith na bliana san, gur lugha ná trí chéad tonna an méid prátaí ar fad do heasportáladh amhlaidh;
chun críche no fo-mhíre seo, tuigfear caindíocht de phrátaí síl do bheith ní ba thruime fé dhó ná mar do bhí dáiríribh; no
(f) i gcás ceadúnais (fásóra) easportálaí, gurb a tuairim an Aire gur bhris sealbhóir an cheadúnais sin na coinníollacha reachtúla bhaineann le ceadúnas (fásóra) easportálaí no ceachtar coinníoll acu san; no
(g) gurb é tuairim an Aire go ndearna sealbhóir an cheadúnais sin sárú ar bith (le gníomh no le fáillí) ar an Acht so no ar rialacháin ar bith ar n-a ndéanamh fé; no
(h) gurb é tuairim an Aire gur theip ar shealbhóir an cheadúnais sin no gur leig sé i bhfaillí gan chúis réasúnta, tar éis do connradh do dhéanamh chun prátaí do dhíol chun iad d'easportáil de bhuadh a cheadúnais, an connradh san do chólíonadh.
(3) Roimh cheiliúradh do dhéanamh ar cheadúnas easportálaí (ar aon tslí seachas do réir iarratais do rinneadh chuige sin fén alt so), bhéarfaidh an tAire i scríbhinn do shealbhóir an cheadúnais sin, no dá ionadaí phearsanta dhlíthiúil (más ann do) no do shocruitheoir an tsealbhóra (pe'ca aca é), fógra coicíse ar a laighead á rá go bhfuil sé chun an cheadúnais sin do cheiliúradh amhlaidh, agus breithneoidh sé cúis ar bith a phléidhfidh an sealbhóir no an t-ionadaí pearsanta dlíthiúil no an socruitheoir sin (pe'ca aca é) roimh dhul in éag don fhógra san agus féadfa sé, más oiriúnach leis é, a chur fé ndeár go gcomórfar fiosrúchán i dtaobh an scéil.
(4) Féadfar fógra á rá go bhfuil an tAire chun ceadúnais easportálaí do cheiliúradh no d'atharú, féadfar a sheirbheáil tré n-a sheachadadh don té chun a mbeidh sé dírithe no tré n-a fhágaint le duine os cionn sé mblain déag d'aois in áitreabh cláruithe sealbhóra an cheadúnais no tré n-a chur tríd an bpost chun an té chun a mbeidh sé dírithe san áit chomhnaithe is déanaí is eol do bheith aige.
(5) Má cheiliúrann an tAire ceadúnas easportálaí fén alt so féadfaidh an tAire uair ar bith ina dhiaidh sin diúltú do cheadúnas easportálaí do dheonadh don té ba shealbhóir ar an gcéad cheadúnas san a luaidhtear díreach sarar ceiliúradh é.
Fianaise i dtaobh nithe sna cláir.
14.—(1) Maidir leis an gclár d'áitreabhacha pacála prátaí—
(a) tuigfear é do bheith sa choimeád cheart nuair a bheidh sé i gcoimeád ag an Aire no ag oifigeach don Aire go mbeidh údarás aige chuige sin ón Aire; agus
(b) beidh sé ionghlactha mar fhianaise gan aon chruthúnas eile má tugtar é i láthair as an gcoimeád ceart.
(2) Féadfar fianaise prima facie ar iontráil ar bith sa chlár d'áitreabhacha pacála prátaí do thabhairt in aon chúirt no in aon imeacht dlí tré chóip den iontráil sin do thabhairt i láthair a fhéachfaidh bheith deimhnithe mar chóip dhílis ag aon oifigeach don Aire bheidh údaruithe chuige sin, agus ní bheidh sé riachtanach sighniú an oifigigh sin do chruthú ná a chruthú gurb é an t-oifigeach san é dáiríribh ná go raibh an t-údarás san aige.
(3) Deimhniú fhéachfaidh bheith fé láimh oifigigh don Aire bheidh údaruithe chuige sin ag an Aire, ar áitreabh ar bith a luadhfar sa deimhniú san do bheith gan bheith iontrálta sa chlár d'áitreabhacha pacála prátaí beidh sé ina fhianaise dhochlaoite ar na nithe bheidh deimhnithe amhlaidh, agus ní bheidh sé riachtanach sighniú an oifigigh sin do chruthú, ná a chruthú gurb é an t-oifigeach san é dáiríribh, ná go raibh an t-údarás san aige.
(4) Féadfaidh duine ar bith—
(a) an clár d'áitreabhacha pacála prátaí d'iniúchadh ar íoc pé táille a hordófar agus ná raghaidh thar scilling an t-iniúchadh;
(b) cóip d'fháil, agus í deimhnithe mar chóip dhílis ar an slí luaidhtear anso roimhe seo, d'iontráil ar bith sa chlár d'áitreabhacha pacála prátaí, ar íoc pé táille a hordófar agus ná raghaidh thar réal an fólio de dhá fhocal sheachtód den chóip;
(c) deimhniú d'fháil, den tsórt san a luaidhtear anso roimhe seo, ar aon áitreabh áirithe do bheith gan bheith cláruithe sa chlár d'áitreabhacha pacála prátaí, ar íoc pé táille a hordófar agus ná raghaidh thar dhá scilling agus réal an deimhniú.
Nithe sa chlár, etc., d'fhoillsiú.
15.—(1) Féadfaidh an tAire foillsiú do dhéanamh ar pé slí is oiriúnach leis—
(a) ar gach ní no éinní dá mbeidh iontrálta sa chlár d'áitreabhacha pacála prátaí, agus
(b) ar mhion-innste ar cheadúnas easportálaí ar bith, agus
(c) ar fhógra i dtaobh ceadúnais easportálaí do chur ar neambrí, agus
(d) ar fhógra i dtaobh nea-mbríochaint no atharú ar bith do dhéanamh ar chlárú sa chlár d'áitreabhacha pacála prátaí, agus
(e) ar fhógra i dtaobh aon chiontú i gcionta i gcoinnibh aon fhorála den Acht so.
(2) Féadfaidh an tAire o am go ham pé eolas staitistíochta is oiriúnach leis do bhailiú agus d'fhoillsiú i dtaobh méid agus cor trádála na bprátaí.
Aitreabh cláruithe d'iniúchadh.
16.—(1) Beidh teideal ag aon chigire dul isteach gach tráth réasúnta in aon áitreabh cláruithe no in aon áitreabh gur hiarradh go gclárófaí é agus gach ní no éinní acu so leanas do dhéanamh ann, sé sin le rá:—
(a) an t-áitreabh san go léir no aon chuid de agus an chóir oibre, na fearaistí, agus na feistisí ann d'iniúchadh;
(b) féachaint ar gach modh no aon mhodh gráduithe agus pacála prátaí san áitreabh san;
(c) na prátaí agus na pacáistí go léir san áitreabh san no aon chuid acu do scrúdú agus somplaí réasúnta de sna prátaí agus de sna pacáistí sin go léir no d'aon chuid acu do thógaint.
(2) Gach n-aon a chuirfidh cosc no bac le haon chigire agus é ag feidhmiú aon chomhachta dá mbronntar air leis an alt so, beidh sé ciontach i gcionta fén alt so agus ar a chiontú ann ar an slí achmair dlighfear pionós ná raghaidh thar cúig puint do chur air.
Clárú áitreibh do cheartú agus do chur ar nea-mbrí.
17.—(1) Féadfaidh an tAire aon uair clárú aon áitreibh fén gCuid seo den Acht so d'atharú no do chur ar nea-mbrí ar iarratas i scríbhinn sa bhfuirm agus sa tslí orduithe o dhílseánach chláruithe an áitreibh sin no o n-a ionadaí phearsanta dhlíthiúil más duine an dílseánach san no ón té is socruitheoir do más cólucht ionchorparuithe an dílseánach san.
(2) Féadfaidh an tAire aon uair, gan aon iarratas den tsórt san roimhráite d'fháil, clárú aon áitreibh fén gCuid seo den Acht so d'atharú maidir le haon tslí ina bhfeicfear do go bhfuil an clárú no an ceadúnas san earráideach no mí-threorach.
(3) Féadfaidh an tAire aon uair, gan aon iarratas den tsórt san roimhráite d'fháil, clárú aon áitreibh a bheidh cláruithe fén gCuid seo den Acht so do chur ar nea-mbrí más deimhin leis—
(a) gur tré chalaois do tugadh chun críche an t-áitreabh do chlárú no tré chamthuairisc, pe'ca calaoiseach di sin no nárbh eadh; no
(b) go bhfuil an t-áitreabh tar éis scur de bheith ionchláruithe sa chlár ina bhfuil sé cláruithe; no
(c) nách leor an tslí agus an chóir oibre atá san áitreabh don mhéid gnótha deintear ann; no
(d) má ba dhuine an dílseánach cláruithe, go bhfuair sé bás no, má ba chólucht ionchorparuithe é, gur scuireadh é, agus ná dearnadh, laistigh de mhí tar éis an bháis no an scurtha san, éinne eile do chlárú mar dhílseánach in ionad an dílseánaigh chláruithe do fuair bás no do scuireadh amhlaidh; no
(e) gur tugadh mar bhreith ar an dílseánach cláruithe é do bheith gnó-bhriste; no
(f) gurb é tuairim an Aire go ndearnadh sárú ar bith (le gníomh no le faillí) san áitreabh ar an Acht so no ar rialacháin ar bith ar n-a ndéanamh fé.
(4) Roimh atharú no nea-mbríochaint do dhéanamh (ar aon tslí seachas do réir iarratais do rinneadh chuige sin fén alt so) ar chlárú aon áitreibh fén Acht so, bhéarfaidh an tAire i scríbhinn, do dhílseánach chláruithe an áitreibh sin no dá ionadaí phearsanta (más ann do) no dá shocruitheoir (pe'ca aca é) fógra coicíse ar a laighead go bhfuil sé chun an clárú san do chur ar neambrí no d'atharú amhlaidh, agus breithneoidh sé cúis ar bith a phléidhfidh an dílseánach cláruithe no an t-ionadaí pearsanta no an socruitheoir sin (pe'ca aca é) roimh dhul in éag don fhógra san agus féadfa sé, más oiriúnach leis é, a chur fé ndeár go gcomórfar fiosrúchán i dtaobh an scéil.
(5) Féadfar fógra go bhfuil an tAire chun clárú áitreibh fén gCuid seo den Acht so do chur ar nea-mbrí no d'atharú, féadfar a sheirbheáil tré n-a sheachadadh don té chun a mbeidh sé dírithe no tré n-a fhágaint do le duine os cionn sé mblian déag d'aois san áitreabh le n-a mbaineann sé no tré n-a chur tríd an bpost chun an té chun a mbeidh sé dírithe san áit chomhnaithe is déanaí is eol do bheith aige.
(6) Má dheineann an tAire fén alt so clárú aon áitreibh do chur ar nea-mbrí féadfaidh an tAire uair ar bith ina dhiaidh sin diúltú don áitreabh san do chlárú i gclár ar bith a bheidh á choimeád do réir na Coda so den Acht so.
CUID III.
Rialachain i dtaobh Pratai do Ghradu agus do Phacail, Pacaisti de Phratai do Mharcail, agus Pratai d'Iompar.
Rialacháin chun prátaí do ghrádú agus do phacáil.
18.—Féadfaidh an tAire, le hordú, rialacháin (dá ngairmtear san Acht so rialacháin chun prátaí do ghrádú agus do phacáil) do dhéanamh i dtaobh gach ní no éinní acu so leanas:—
(a) gach ní bhaineann leis an modh agus leis an slí chun prátaí do ghrádú;
(b) gach ní bhaineann le cor no le staid na bprátaí le linn a bpacála;
(c) gach ní bhaineann leis an modh agus leis an slí chun prátaí do phacáil agus leis na pacáistí a húsáidfear chun iad do phacáil ionta;
(d) a thoirmeasc go ndéanfaí grádanna no saghsanna áirithe prátaí do phacáil.
Rialacháin chun pacáistí do mharcáil.
19.—Féadfaidh an tAire, le hordú, rialacháin (dá ngairmtear san Acht so rialacháin chun pacáistí do mharcáil) do dhéanamh á ordú cadiad na marcanna cuirfear ar gach pacáiste de phrátaí a bheidh le heasportáil agus a díolfar in aon áitreabh cláruithe no a heasportálfar no consighneofar uaidh, chun gach ní no éinní acu so leanas do thaisbeáint, sé sin le rá:—
(a) grád na bprátaí atá sa phacáiste sin;
(b) an t-áitreabh cláruithe in ar pacáladh na prátaí sin;
(c) easportálaí ceadúnuithe na bprátaí;
(d) an saghas práta atá sa phacáiste sin;
(e) an cineál práta atá sa phacáiste sin;
(f) dáta gráduithe agus pacála na bprátaí;
(g) dath na hithearach in ar fhás na prátaí;
(h) gur i Saorstát Éireann d'fhás na prátaí sin;
(i) éinní eile is dóich leis an Aire ba chóir do thaisbeáint ar an bpacáiste sin.
(2) Ordófar, leis na rialacháin chun pacáistí do mharcáil, conus a cuirfear na marcanna a hordófar leo ar na pacáistí prátaí le n-a mbainid agus féadfar malairt slí d'ordú chun malairt marcanna do chur ar na pacáistí sin.
(3) Chun críche pé méid den alt so bhaineann le n-a thaisbeáint le marcanna cadé an t-áitreabh in ar gráduíodh agus in ar pacáladh prátaí, agus cé hé easportálaí ceadúnuithe na bprátaí féadfaidh an tAire marc fé leith do cheapadh do gach áitreabh cláruithe fé leith agus fós do gach easportálaí ceadúnuithe fé leith, agus leis na rialacháin chun pacáistí do mharcáil féadfa sé a éileamh go ndéanfar na marcanna ceapfar amhlaidh d'úsáid mar mharcanna chun a thaisbeáint cadé an t-áitreabh in ar gráduíodh agus inar pacáladh na prátaí sin agus cé hé easportálaí ceadúnuithe na bprátaí sin.
(4) Pé uair a déanfar leis na rialacháin chun pacáistí do mharcáil marc ar bith d'ordú mar mharc le cur ar phacáistí ina mbeidh prátaí d'aon tsaghas áirithe no prátaí do gráduíodh agus do pacáladh in aon áitreabh áirithe no a easportálfaidh aon easportálaí ceadúnuithe áirithe, tuigfear gur thuairisc thrádála bhréagach do réir bhrí na Merchandise Marks Acts, 1887 to 1911, an marc san do chur ar phasáistí de phrátaí d'aon tsaghas eile no as aon áit gráduithe agus pacála eile no a easportálfaidh aon duine eile agus bainfidh na hAchtanna san, idir fhorálacha peannaideacha agus eile, leis an gcás dá réir sin.
(5) Chun críche an ailt seo, tuigfear gur cuireadh marc ar rud má cuireadh air é do réir bhrí na Merchandise Marks Acts, 1887 to 1911.
(6) San alt so foluíonn an focal “marc” aon fhocal, leitir, figiúir, uimhir, no pátrún, no aon fhocail, leitreacha, figiúirí, uimhreacha, agus pátrúin le chéile no aon cheann no cinn acu.
Toirmeasc ar mharcanna neamhúdaruithe do chur ar phacáistí.
20.—(1) Ní bheidh sé dleathach d'éinne marc ar bith do chur ar aon phacáiste de phrátaí a heasportálfar o áitreabh cláruithe ach marc is gá do chur ar an bpacáiste sin do réir na rialachán chun pacáistí do mharcáil.
(2) Má dheineann éinne sárú ar an alt so beidh sé ciontach i gcionta fén alt so agus ar a chiontú ann ar an slí achmair dlighfear fíneáil ná raghaidh thar fiche punt do chur air.
Rialacháin chun prátaí d'iompar.
21.—Féadfaidh an tAire, le hordú, rialacháin (dá ngairmtear san Acht so rialacháin chun prátaí d'iompar) do dhéanamh chun prátaí in aon fheithicil, bhaigín traenach, no luing do chosaint ar thruailliú no ar mheath agus iad ar turus o áitreabh chláruithe go haon áit lasmuich de Shaorstát Éireann.
CUID IV.
Consighneachtai de Phratai do Scrudu.
Barra prátaí síl d'iniúchadh.
22.—(1) Einne gur mian leis barra prátaí no cuid ar bith de bharra prátaí bheidh ag fás aige do dhíol mar phrátaí síl féadfaidh a iarraidh ar an Aire an barra san do chur fé iniúchadh le linn é bheith ag fás agus ar a iarraidh sin air féadfaidh an tAire, más oiriúnach leis é, cigire do chur ag iniúchadh an bharra san.
(2) Más rud é, ar iniúchadh aon bharra prátaí fén bhfo-alt san roimhe seo dho, go mbeidh an cigire sásta go bhfuil na prátaí sin no cuid acu oiriúnach mar phrátaí síl, déanfaidh an cigire sin deimhniú (dá ngairmtear deimhniú oiriúnachta san Acht so) sa bhfuirm orduithe do thabhairt amach ar an mbarra san no ar an gcuid sin de luadhfar sa deimhniú san do bheith oiriúnach mar phrátaí síl.
Rialacháin scrúdúcháin.
23.—Féadfaidh an tAire o am go ham, le hordú, rialacháin (dá ngairmtear rialacháin scrúdúcháin san Acht so) do dhéanamh i dtaobh na nithe seo leanas, sé sin le rá:—
(a) an tslí ina scrúdóidh cigirí consighneachtaí de phrátaí thaisbeánfaidh easportálaithe ceadúnuithe do sna cigirí sin chun a scrúduithe;
(b) na coinníollacha (dá ngairmtear na coinníollacha oiriúnachta san Acht so) nách foláir na consighneachtaí sin bheith dá réir chun na gcigirí sin do bheith sásta gur consighneachtaí iad atá oiriúnach chun a gconsighnithe;
(c) fuirm, pátrún agus abhar an tséala (dá ngairmtear an séala oifigiúil san Acht so) a bheidh le cur ar gach pacáiste ina mbeidh prátaí síl agus a bheidh i gconsighneacht le n-a rabhthas sásta amhlaidh gur consighneacht í do bhí oiriúnach chun a consighnithe agus an tslí ina gcuirfear an séala san ar an bpacáiste sin;
(d) fuirm, pátrún agus abhar an cheangail (dá ngairmtear an ceangal oifigiúil san Acht so) a bheidh le ceangal de gach pacáiste ina mbeidh prátaí bídh agus a bheidh i gconsighneacht le n-a rabhthas sásta amhlaidh gur chonsighneacht í do bhí oiriúnach chun a consighnithe agus an tslí ina gceanglófar an ceangal san den phacáiste sin.
Consighneachtaí de phrátaí do scrúdú.
24.—(1) Féadfaidh an tAire a shocrú go ndéanfaidh cigirí consighneachtaí de phrátaí do scrúdú i pé áiteanna agus ar pé laetheanta agus uaire chinnfe sé o am go ham.
(2) Pé uair a taisbeánfar consighneacht de phrátaí do chigire chun a scrúduithe scrúdóidh an cigire sin an chonsighneacht san mara ndeintear leis an alt so a thoirmeasc air an scrúdú san do dhéanamh agus is sa tslí a hordófar leis na rialacháin scrúdúcháin a dhéanfa sé an scrúdú san agus má bhíonn sé sásta tar éis an scrúduithe sin go bhfuil an chonsighneacht san do réir na gcoinníollacha oiriúnachta, ach ní hin aon chás eile, déanfa sé—
(a) gach pacáiste sa chonsighneacht san do shéalú leis an séala oifigiúil más prátaí síl na prátaí sa chonsighneacht san;
(b) gach pacáiste sa chonsighneacht san do cheangal leis an gceangal oifigiúil más prátaí bídh na prátaí sa chonsighneacht san.
(3) Ní scrúdóidh cigire aon chonsighneacht de phrátaí síl a taisbeánfar do chun a scrúduithe fén alt so mara dtaisbeántar do le linn an taisbeánta san deimhniú oiriúnachta i dtaobh na bprátaí sa chonsighneacht san.
(4) Ní tuigfear séala oifigiúil a cuirfear ar phacáiste de phrátaí ná ceangal oifigiúil a ceanglófar de phacáiste de phrátaí do bheith ina urrús ná ní léireofar san in aon tslí mar urrús ar na prátaí sin ná ní bheidh aon fhreagarthacht ar an Aire mar gheall ar aon tséala ná ceangal den tsórt san.
Deimhnithe consighneachta.
25.—(1) Pé uair a bheidh easportálaí ceadúnuithe chun líon áirithe de phacáistí de phrátaí síl do shéaluigh cigire leis an séala oifigiúil d'easportáil in aon chonsighneacht amháin agus a chuirfe sé san in úil don chigire sin, déanfaidh an cigire sin, ar iarratas an easportálaí cheadúnuithe sin, deimhniú (dá ngairmtear deimhniú consighneachta san Acht so) do thabhairt amach i dtaobh na consighneachta san á dheimhniú cé méid pacáiste de phrátaí síl (méid a luadhfar sa deimhniú) sa chonsighneacht san do séaluíodh leis an séala san.
(2) Pé uair a bheidh easportálaí ceadúnuithe chun líon áirithe de phacáistí de phrátaí bídh do cheangail cigire leis an gceangal oifigiúil d'easportáil in aon chonsighneacht amháin agus a chuirfe sé san in úil don chigire sin, déanfaidh an cigire sin, ar iarratas an easportálaí cheadúnuithe sin, deimhniú (agus gairmtear deimhniú consighneachta de sin freisin san Acht so) do thabhairt amach i dtaobh na consighneachta san á dheimhniú cé méid pacáiste de phrátaí bídh (méid a luadhfar sa deimhniú) sa chonsighneacht san do ceangladh leis an gceangal san.
CUID V.
Pratai d'Easportail.
Tréimhse shaoirse.
26.—(1) Féadfaidh an tAire o am go ham, le hordú, a dhearbhú gur am saoirse chun crícheanna na Coda so den Acht so, i pé bliain no blianta luadhfar san ordú san, an tréimhse idir an 20 adh lá de Bhealtaine agus an 31adh lá de Lúnasa agus an dá lá san d'áireamh, no pé cuid den tréimhse sin a luadhfar san ordú san, agus pé uair a déanfar a leithéid sin d'ordú agus a bheidh sé i bhfeidhm is am saoirse chun crícheanna na Coda so den Acht so i ngach bliain a luadhfar san ordú san an tréimhse go ndearbhófar leis an ordú san gur am saoirse í chun crícheanna na Coda so den Acht so.
(2) Féadfaidh an tAire aon uair, le hordú, ordú do rinneadh fén bhfo-alt san roimhe seo den alt so do cheiliúradh no do leasú.
(3) Gach ordú dhéanfaidh an tAire fén alt so leagfar é fé bhráid gach Tighe den Oireachtas chó luath agus is féidir é tar éis a dhéanta agus má dheineann ceachtar Tigh acu san, laistigh den lá is fiche shuidhfidh an Tigh sin ina dhiaidh sin, rún do rith ag cur an orduithe sin ar nea-mbrí beidh an t-ordú san curtha ar nea-mbrí dá réir sin ach beidh san gan dochar do dhleathacht éinní do rinneadh fén ordú san roimhe sin.
Prátaí d'easportáil.
27.—(1) Lasmuich de sna heisceachtaí luaidhtear san alt so, na prátaí go léir a heasportálfar as Saorstát Éireann beid do réir na gcoinníoll so leanas, sé sin le rá:—
(a) is easportálaí ceadúnuithe easportálfaidh na prátaí sin; agus
(b) más easportálaí (fásóir) ceadúnuithe easportálfaidh na prátaí sin, is díreach ón áitreabh cláruithe dar dílseánach cláruithe an t-easportálaí (fásóir) ceadúnuithe sin a heasportálfar iad; agus
(c) más easportálaí (generálta) ceadúnuithe easportálfaidh na prátaí sin, is díreach o áitreabh chláruithe a heasportálfar iad; agus
(d) beidh na prátaí sin do réir na rialachán a bhaineann le prátaí do ghrádú agus do phacáil agus beid ar n-a ngrádú agus ar n-a bpacáil san áitreabh cláruithe o n-a mbeid á n-easportáil; agus
(e) beidh na prátaí sin gan tógaint, ach amháin ag cigire, as na pacáistí in ar pacáladh amhlaidh iad; agus
(f) beidh na prátaí sin i bpacáistí ar a mbeidh na marcanna a hordófar le rialacháin chun pacáistí de phrátaí do mharcáil; agus
(g) más prátaí síl na prátaí sin, is i bpacáistí bheidh séaluithe leis an séala oifigiúil a bheid; agus
(h) más prátaí bídh na prátaí sin, is i bpacáistí bheidh ceangailte leis an gceangal oifigiúil a bheid; agus
(i) maran prátaí luatha á n-easportáil i mbairillí na prátaí sin, beid i bpacáistí ná beidh in aon cheann acu nuair a bheidh sé lán níos lugha ná an meáchan orduithe de phrátaí lasmuich de mheáchan an phacáiste féin agus d'aon abhar deoranta bheidh ann; agus
(j) beidh deimhniú consighneachta i dteanta na bprátaí sin.
(2) Lasmuich de sna heisceachtaí luaidhtear san alt so, gach éinne easportálfaidh aon phrátaí no dhéanfaidh iarracht no chuirfidh fé ndeár iad d'easportáil agus gan iad do réir na gcoinníoll uile bhaineann leo agus a horduítear leis an bhfo-alt san roimhe seo, beidh sé ciontach i gcionta fén alt so.
(3) Gach éinne iompróidh ar luach saothair aon phrátaí bheidh á n-easportáil no le heasportáil contrárdha d'fho-alt (1) den alt so, más le linn na bprátaí sin do bheith á n-easportáil no chun iad d'easportáil a déanfar an t-iompar san beidh sé ciontach i gcionta fén alt so mara gcruthuighe sé ná raibh a fhios aige agus ná luigheann sé le réasún go bhféadfadh sé a fhios a bheith aige go raibh na prátaí sin á n-easportáil contrárdha don alt so.
(4) Gach éinne iompróidh ar luach saothair aon phrátaí bheidh á n-easportáil agus go dteipfidh air no go leigfe sé i bhfaillí, maidir leis na prátaí sin, na rialacháin chun prátaí d'iompar do chólíonadh, beidh sé ciontach i gcionta fén alt so.
(5) Gach duine bheidh ciontach i gcionta fén alt so dlighfear, ar a chiontú ann ar an slí achmair, fíneáil ná raghaidh thar fiche punt do chur air má sé an chéad chionta aige é agus fíneáil ná raghaidh thar caoga punt má sé an dara cionta aige é no aon chionta ina dhiaidh sin no, más rogha leis an gcúirt é, príosúntacht ar feadh aon téarma nách sia ná sé mhí no an fhíneáil agus an phríosúntacht san le chéile.
(6) Ní bainfidh an t-alt so—
(a) le haon phrátaí—
(i) a heasportálfar in aon chonsighneacht amháin, agus
(ii) nách truime ná cúig céad meáchain agus na pacáistí (más aon cheann é) ina mbeid do chur leo, agus
(iii) más i bpacáistí dhóibh, a bheidh i bpacáistí ná beidh marcálta le haon mharc dá n-ordófar leis na rialacháin chun pacáistí de phrátaí do mharcáil agus ná beidh séaluithe leis an séala oifigiúil ná ceangailte leis an gceangal oifigiúil, ná
(b) le haon phrátaí a heasportálfar fé cheadúnas speisialta deonfar fén Acht so agus do réir an cheadúnais sin, ná
(c) le haon phrátaí—
(i) a heasportálfar in aon chonsighneacht amháin isteach i dTuaisceart Éireann agus gurb é an té d'fhás iad a dhéanfaidh amhlaidh ina fheithicil féin, agus
(ii) nách truime ná tonna meáchain agus na pacáistí (más aon cheann é) ina mbeid do chur leo, agus
(iii) más i bpacáistí dhóibh, a bheidh i bpacáistí ná beidh marcálta le haon mharc dá n-ordófar leis na rialacháin chun pacáistí de phrátaí do mharcáil agus ná beidh séaluithe leis an séala oifigiúil ná ceangailte leis an gceangal oifigiúil, ná
(d) le haon phrátaí a heasportálfar i bpacáiste a consighneofar agus a cuirfear ar aghaidh tré Shaorstát Éireann o aon áit lasmuich de Shaorstát Éireann go háit eile den tsórt san ach ná deighleálfar leis ar aon tslí eile i Saorstát Éireann, ná
(e) le haon phrátaí a heasportálfar i rith tréimhse is am saoirse chun crícheanna na Coda so den Acht so, ná
(f) le haon phrátaí easportálfaidh an tAire.
Ceadúnas speisialta chun prátaí d'easportáil.
28.—(1) Ar iarratas éinne gur mian leis consighneacht áirithe de phrátaí d'fhás sé féin d'easportáil agus ar íoc na táille is inéilithe fén alt so leis an Aire don duine sin agus tar éis do chigire an chonsighneacht san d'iniúchadh féadfaidh an tAire, más oiriúnach leis é, ceadúnas (dá ngairmtear ceadúnas speisialta sa Chuid seo den Acht so) sa bhfuirm orduithe do dheonadh don duine sin chun na consighneachta san d'easportáil fé réir pé coinníollacha fhorchuirfidh an tAire agus a luadhfar sa cheadúnas san.
(2) Eileofar fén alt so, ar gach ceadúnas speisialta deonfar fén alt so, táille a háireofar do réir an méid tonna prátaí sa chonsighneacht le n-a mbaineann an ceadúnas san agus do réir pé ráta (nách mó ná sé scillinge an tonna) a hordófar.
(3) Déanfaidh ceadúnas speisialta deonfar fén alt so a údarú don té dá ndeonfar é an chonsighneacht de phrátaí bheidh luaidhte ann d'easportáil do réir téarmaí an cheadúnais sin.
(4) Aon uair sara ndéanfar consighneacht de phrátaí bheidh luaidhte i gceadúnas speisialta d'easportáil féadfaidh an tAire, gan cúis do thabhairt leis, an ceadúnas speisialta bhaineann leis an gconsighneacht san do cheiliúradh agus an táille do híocadh ar an gceadúnas san d'iarraidh do thabhairt thar n-ais.
(5) Chun méid aon táille is inéilithe fén alt so ar son ceadúnais speisialta do dheonadh d'áireamh beidh éifeacht ag na forálacha so leanas, sé sin le rá:—
(a) tuigfear i dtaobh tagartha ar bith san alt so do mheáchaint phrátaí gur tagairt í do mheáchaint na bprátaí sin agus na bpacáistí ina mbeid;
(b) más lugha ná tonna meáchaint na bprátaí i gconsighneacht ar bith tuigfear gur tonna meáchaint na bprátaí sin;
(c) más mó ná tonna meáchaint na bprátaí i gconsighneacht ar bith no más mó ná aon líon de thonnaí iomlána é tuigfear gur tonna an bhreis sin.
(6) Gach duine dá ndeonfar ceadúnas speisialta fén alt so agus a sháróidh aon téarma no coinníoll dá mbeidh sa cheadúnas san, agus gach duine (pe'ca bheidh ceadúnas speisialta aige no ná beidh) do bhéarfaidh le tuisgint, go bréagach, le marc ar aon chonsighneacht de phrátaí, gur fé cheadúnas speisialta do deonadh fén alt so atá an chonsighneacht san de phrátaí á heasportáil, beid ciontach i gcionta fén alt so agus ar a gciontú ann ar an slí achmair dlighfear fíneáil ná raghaidh thar fiche punt do chur ortha.
Prátaí d'iniúchadh, etc.
29.—(1) Beidh teideal ag cigire ar bith gach tráth réasúnta dul isteach agus saorchead do bheith aige istigh—
(a) in aon áitreabh cláruithe; no
(b) in áitreabh éinne dheineann earraí d'iompar ar luach saothair; no
(c) in aon stóras no áitreabh eile le héinne stórálann earraí atá le heasportáil no á n-easportáil; no
(d) ar aon phiara, céibh, caladh, fánán no dug, no in aon áitreabh duga; no
(e) in aon luing, bád, bhaigín traenach, laraí mótair, trucail, no árthach no feithicil eile a húsáidtear chun earraí d'iompar.
(2) Féadfaidh cigire ar bith iniúchadh do dhéanamh ar aon phrátaí no ar aon phacáiste do gheobhfar in aon áit go mbeidh aige fén alt so teideal chun dul isteach ann no saorchead istigh no ar no in aon áit phuiblí agus féadfa sé aon phacáiste den tsórt san d'oscailt go gcreideann sé le réasún no go bhfuil amhras réasúnta aige prátaí atá le heasportáil do bheith ann agus féadfa sé na nithe seo leanas do thógaint agus do bhreith leis gan íoc asta—
(a) samplaí réasúnta de phrátaí ar bith do gheobhfar in aon áit den tsórt san pe'ca i bpacáiste do sna prátaí sin no nách eadh; agus
(b) aon phacáiste áirithe is cuid de chonsighneacht de phrátaí do gheobhfar in aon áit den tsórt san.
(3) Má dheineann éinne—
(a) cosc no bac do chur ar chigire ar bith agus é ag feidhmiú aon chomhachta dá mbronntar air leis an alt so; no
(b) agus a fhios aige cad is ainm do chonsighneoir, do chonsighné no d'únaer prátaí ar bith no pacáiste ar bith go bhfuil cigire i dteideal a n-iniúchta fén alt so, no eolas aige ar nithe eile i dtaobh éinne acu, diúltadh don ainm sin no do sna nithe eile sin d'innsint don chigire sin; no
(c) aon ainm no eolas eile, bréagach no mí-threorach, ar aon chonsighneoir, consighné, no únaer den tsórt san do thabhairt don chigire sin go toiliúil no ar nós cumaliom;
beidh an duine sin ciontach i gcionta fén alt so agus ar a chiontú ann ar an slí achmair dlighfear pionós ná raghaidh thar cúig puint do chur air má sé an chéad chionta aige é agus pionós ná raghaidh thar deich bpuint má sé an dara cionta aige é no aon chionta ina dhiaidh sin.
(4) Má thógann cigire pacáiste ar bith fén alt so in aon áit (seachas áitreabh cláruithe) beidh sé de dhualgas ar an gcigire sin a chur in úil don únaer no don chonsighneoir agus don chonsighné (más rud é agus sa mhéid go bhfuil fios a n-ainmneacha agus a seolta aige no gur féidir do go réasúnta iad d'fháil amach) gur thóg sé an sampla no an pacáiste sin.
(5) Má chítear don Aire, ar phacáiste ar bith a tógfar fén alt so do scrúdú, go ndearnadh no gur tugadh fé aon cheann d'fhorálacha an Achta so no aon rialacháin do rinneadh fé do shárú maidir leis an gconsighneacht as ar tógadh an pacáiste féadfar an pacáiste do gheallbhruideadh don Aire, agus, in aon chás eile, deighléalfar leis an bpacáiste do réir orduithe an chonsighneora no, mara dtuga sé orduithe uaidh, díolfar an pacáiste agus íocfar sochar glan a dhíolta leis an gconsighneoir.
(6) Ní bheidh an tAire ná cigire ar bith freagarthach in aon chailliúint ná damáiste thiocfaidh as cigire d'fheidhmiú aon chomhachta dá mbronntar air leis an alt so, agus ní luighfidh aon aicsean i gcoinnibh an chonsighneora ná éinne eile i dtaobh ná alos aon chailliúna ná damáiste den tsórt san roimhráite.
(7) Le linn cigire do bheith ag feidhmiú na gcomhacht a bronntar air leis an alt so, in no ar áitreabh aon chuideachtan bóthair iarainn no loingis, déanfa sé do réir pé éilithe réasúnta ón gcuideachtain sin is gá chun ná déanfaí cosc ná cur isteach ar oibriú an tráchta san áitreabh san.
Comhachta oifigeacha Custum agus Máil.
30.—Beidh ag oifigigh chustum agus máil, maidir le haon phrátaí agus pacáistí go dtoirmeascthar no go sriantar leis an Acht so iad d'easportáil, na comhachta céanna atá ag na hoifigigh sin do réir dlí maidir le hearraí eile go dtoirmeascthar no go sriantar le dlí iad d'easportáil.
CUID VI.
Ilghneitheach agus Generalta.
Seilbh neadhleathach ar shéalaí, ar cheangail, agus ar dheimhnithe.
31.—(1) Ní bheidh sé dleathach d'éinne séala oifigiúil ná aithris dheallrathach ar a leithéid, ná ceangal oifigiúil ná aithris dheallrathach ar a leithéid, ná fuirm orduithe de dheimhniú oiriúnachta ná aithris dheallrathach ar a leithéid, ná fuirm orduithe de dheimhniú chonsighneachta ná aithris dheallrathach ar a leithéid, do dhéanamh, d'ordú, do cheannach, d'iomportáil, ná do bheith ina sheilbh aige.
(2) Ní bheidh sé nea-dhleathach d'éinne, de dhruim éinní san alt so, séala oifigiúil no ceangal oifigiúil le n-ar shéaluigh no le n-ar cheangail cigire pacáiste de phrátaí fén Acht so do bheith ina sheilbh aige.
(3) Ní bheidh sé nea-dhleathach, de dhruim éinní san alt so, d'oifigeach don Stát agus é i mbun a dhualgais mar oifigeach den tsórt san séala oifigiúil no ceangal oifigiúil d'ordú, do cheannach, d'iomportáil, no do bheith ina sheilbh aige, no fuirm orduithe de dheimhniú chonsighneachta no de dheimhniú oiriúnachta d'ordú, do cheannach, d'iomportáil no do bheith ina sheilbh aige, ná d'éinne aon tséala, ceangal, no fuirm den tsórt san do dhéanamh, d'iomportáil, no do bheith ina sheilbh aige do réir orduithe thug aon oifigeach den tsórt san go dleathach no do réir connartha do rinne sé go dleathach.
(4) Gach duine a dhéanfaidh, a ordóidh, a cheannóidh, a iomportálfaidh no go mbeidh ina sheilbh aige, contrárdha don alt so, séala oifigiúil no aithris dheallrathach ar a leithéid no ceangal oifigiúil no aithris dheallrathach ar a leithéid no fuirm orduithe de dheimhniú chonsighneachta no aithris dheallrathach ar a leithéid no fuirm orduithe de dheimhniú oiriúnachta no aithris dheallrathach ar a leithéid, beidh sé ciontach i gcionta fén alt so agus ar a chiontú ann ar an slí achmair dlighfear fíneáil ná raghaidh thar cúig puint fhichead do chur air, no, más rogha leis an gCúirt é, príosúntacht ar feadh aon téarma nách sia ná ráithe.
Séalaí agus ceangail d'úsáid go neadhleathach.
32.—(1) Ní bheidh sé dleathach d'éinne (nách cigire) aon phacáiste de phrátaí do shéalú le séala oifigiúil ná aon phacáiste de phrátaí do cheangal le ceangal oifigiúil.
(2) Gach éinne sháróidh an t-alt so beidh sé ciontach i gcionta fén alt so agus ar a chiontú ann ar an slí achmair dlighfear fíneáil ná raghaidh thar cúig puint fhichead do chur air no, más rogha leis an gCúirt é, príosúntacht ar feadh aon téarma nách sia ná ráithe.
Cosaint do sna comhachta atá ag an Aire fé Achtanna eile.
33.—Na comhachta bronntar ar an Aire leis an Acht so beid gan dochar agus feidhmeofar iad gan dochar don Aire agus d'údaráis áitiúla d'fheidhmiú na gcomhacht a bronntar ortha fé seach le hAchtanna na bhFeathaid agus na bPiast Loitbheartacha, 1877 go 1929.
Ciontaí.
34.—Féadfaidh an tAire no féadfar ar agra an Aire, mar chúisitheoir, gach cionta fé aon fhoráil den Acht so do chúiseamh.
Rialacháin ghenerálta.
35.—(1) Féadfaidh an tAire le hordú rialacháin do dhéanamh i dtaobh éinní no aon ruda dá dtagartar san Acht so mar ní no mar rud atá orduithe no á ordú no le hordú.
(2) Féadfaidh aon rialacháin a dhéanfaidh an tAire fén Acht so baint do bheith acu leis na nithe iomdha go mbronntar le hailt deifriúla den Acht so comhacht chun rialacháin do dhéanamh ina dtaobh.
(3) Aon rialacháin a dhéanfaidh an tAire fén Acht so i dtaobh táillí beid fé réir ceadú ón Aire Airgid.
(4) Gach rialachán a dhéanfaidh an tAire fén Acht so leagfar é fé bhráid gach Tighe den Oireachtas chó luath agus is féidir é tar éis a dhéanta, agus má dheineann ceachtar de dhá Thigh an Oireachtais, laistigh den lá is fiche shuidhfidh an Tigh sin ina dhiaidh sin, rún do rith ag cur an rialacháin sin ar nea-mbrí beidh an rialachán san curtha ar nea-mbrí dá réir sin ach beidh san gan dochar do dhleathacht éinní do rinneadh roimhe sin fén rialachán san.
Cad déanfar le táillí do gheobhaidh an tAire.
36.—Na táillí uile do gheobhaidh an tAire fén Acht so íocfar isteach iad sa Stát-Chiste no cuirfear iad chun tairbhe don Stát-Chiste ar pé slí ordóidh an tAire Airgid.
Costaisí.
37.—Sa mhéid go gceadóidh an tAire Airgid é is amach as airgead a sholáthróidh an tOireachtas o am go ham a híocfar gach costas a bhainfidh leis an Acht so do chur in éifeacht.
Number 26 of 1931.
AGRICULTURAL PRODUCE (POTATOES) ACT, 1931.
ARRANGEMENT OF SECTIONS
Preliminary.
Section | |
Registration of Premises and Licensing of Exporters.
Regulations as to the Grading and Packing of Potatoes, the Marking of Packages of Potatoes, and the Conveyance of Potatoes.
Examination of Consignments of Potatoes.
Export of Potatoes.
Miscellaneous and General.
Number 26 of 1931.
AGRICULTURAL PRODUCE (POTATOES) ACT, 1931.
PART I.
Preliminary.
Short title and commencement.
1.—(1) This Act may be cited as the Agricultural Produce (Potatoes) Act, 1931.
(2) This Act shall come into operation on such day as shall be fixed for that purpose by order of the Minister.
Definitions.
2.—In this Act—
the expression “the Minister” means the Minister for Agriculture;
the word “inspector” means any person authorised in writing (either generally or for a special purpose) by the Minister to exercise all or any of the powers or perform all or any of the duties conferred or imposed on an inspector by this Act;
the expression “seed potatoes” means potatoes intended for planting;
the expression “ware potatoes” means potatoes other than seed potatoes;
the word “package” includes any bag, sack, box, case, barrel or other receptacle containing or capable of containing potatoes;
the word “prescribed” means prescribed by regulations made under this Act.
PART II.
Registration of Premises and Licensing of Exporters.
Register of potato packing premises.
3.—(1) The Minister shall cause to be kept a register (to be called and known as the register of potato packing premises) of premises in Saorstát Eireann in which the business of grading and packing potatoes for export is carried on.
(2) There shall be entered in the said register in respect of all premises registered therein the following particulars, that is to say:—
(a) the full name and description of the proprietor (in this Act referred to as the registered proprietor) of the premises, and
(b) a description of the situation of the premises sufficient to identify the same and the limits and extent thereof.
(3) In this Act the expression “registered premises” means premises registered in the register of potato packing premises.
Conditions of registration of premises.
4.—The Minister shall before registering any premises in the register of potato packing premises be satisfied that—
(a) the premises are structurally suited for carrying on the business of grading and packing potatoes for export in the quantities which, in the opinion of the Minister, will be graded and packed in such premises;
(b) the premises contain accommodation, equipment, fittings, and appliances suitable for the carrying on, in accordance with this Act and regulations made thereunder, of the business of grading and packing of potatoes;
(c) the grading and packing of potatoes in the premises are under the control of a person qualified in the opinion of the Minister to undertake or supervise the grading and packing of potatoes.
Application for registration of premises.
5.—(1) Every application for the registration of any premises under this Part of this Act shall be made in writing by the proprietor of such premises in the prescribed form and manner and shall contain the prescribed particulars.
(2) Whenever an application is made under this section for the registration of any premises, the Minister shall cause such premises to be inspected by an inspector.
(3) Before refusing an application for the registration of any premises under this Part of this Act, the Minister shall send by post to the applicant at his address as stated in the application one fortnight's notice of the Minister's intention to refuse such application and of the reasons for such refusal and shall consider any representations made by the applicant before the expiration of such notice.
(4) A refusal by the Minister of an application for registration of any premises under this section shall not prevent the making of a fresh application at any subsequent time, but the Minister may refuse any such renewed application without causing any new inspection of the premises to be made.
Exporters' licences.
6.—(1) The Minister may grant a licence (in this Act referred to as an exporter's (general) licence) to export potatoes from any registered premises to any person who—
(a) is the registered proprietor of any registered premises, and
(b) applies in the prescribed form and manner for an exporter's (general) licence.
(2) Every exporter's (general) licence shall—
(a) be in the prescribed form, and
(b) be expressed and operate to license the person to whom it is granted to export, subject to the provisions of this Act and regulations made thereunder, potatoes from any registered premises.
(3) The Minister may grant a licence (in this Act referred to as an exporter's (grower's) licence) to export potatoes from particular registered premises to any person who—
(a) is the registered proprietor of such premises, and
(b) is a grower of potatoes, and
(c) applies in the prescribed form and manner to the Minister for such exporter's (grower's) licence, and
(d) supplies the Minister with the prescribed information.
(4) An exporter's (grower's) licence shall not be granted by the Minister until after the expiration of thirty days following the date on which the application for such licence is received by the Minister.
(5) Every exporter's (grower's) licence shall—
(a) be in the prescribed form and shall specify the premises in respect of which it is granted and such other particulars as may be prescribed;
(b) be expressed and operate to license the person to whom it is granted to export, subject to the provisions of this Act and regulations made thereunder, from such premises, potatoes grown by him;
(c) shall be and be expressed to be granted subject to the following conditions (in this Act referred to as the statutory conditions attaching to an exporter's (grower's) licence), that is to say:—
(i) that the holder thereof shall not export thereunder potatoes other than those grown by himself,
(ii) that the holder thereof shall not export thereunder in any one calendar year more than one hundred tons of potatoes.
(6) In this Act the expression “licensed (general) exporter” means a person who is for the time being the holder of an exporter's (general) licence for the time being in force and the expression “licensed (grower) exporter” means a person who is for the time being the holder of an exporter's (grower's) licence for the time being in force.
(7) In this Act the expression “exporter's licence” means any licence granted by the Minister under this section and the expression “licensed exporter” means a person who is for the time being the holder of an exporter's licence for the time being in force.
(8) A certificate purporting to be under the hand of an officer of the Minister authorised in that behalf by the Minister, that a person named in such certificate is not the holder of an exporter's licence shall be prima facie evidence of the facts so certified and it shall not be necessary to prove the signature of such officer or that he was, in fact, such officer or was so authorised.
Fees on and issue of exporters' (general) licences.
7.—(1) On every application for an exporter's (general) licence there shall be paid to the Minister by the applicant a fee of one pound and ten shillings, returnable to the applicant if his application be refused, and the payment of such fee shall be a condition precedent to the entertainment of the application by the Minister.
(2) If the Minister after consideration of an application for an exporter's (general) licence is of opinion that such licence should be granted, he shall cause a notification in writing to that effect to be sent to the applicant.
(3) If on receipt of a notification in accordance with the foregoing sub-section the applicant pays to the Minister a further fee of thirteen pounds and ten shillings the Minister shall forthwith issue to him an exporter's (general) licence.
Fees on and issue of exporters' (growers') licences.
8.—(1) On every application for an exporter's (grower's) licence there shall be paid to the Minister by the applicant a fee of ten shillings, returnable to the applicant if his application be refused, and the payment of such fee shall be a condition precedent to the entertainment of such application by the Minister.
(2) If the Minister, after consideration of an application for an exporter's (grower's) licence, is of opinion that such licence should be granted, the Minister shall cause a notification in writing to that effect to be sent to the applicant.
(3) If on receipt of a notification sent in accordance with the foregoing sub-section the applicant for an exporter's (grower's) licence pays to the Minister a further fee of four pounds and ten shillings the Minister shall, on the expiration of the period of thirty days from the date of the application or, if at the time of receiving such further fee such period has expired, forthwith issue to such applicant an exporter's (grower's) licence.
Inspection fees.
9.—(1) Every licensed (general) exporter shall in respect of every consignment of potatoes submitted by him to an inspector for examination under this Act pay to the Minister at the time and in the manner provided by this Act a fee (in this Act referred to as an inspection fee) in accordance with the following provisions, that is to say:—
(a) the inspection fee shall be calculated by reference to the number of tons of potatoes in such consignment, and shall be at the respective rate for every ton mentioned in this sub-section;
(b) where the potatoes in such consignment are graded and packed in registered premises of which such exporter is the registered proprietor, the rate shall be—
(i) in the case of ware potatoes, sixpence, and
(ii) in the case of seed potatoes, such rate (not exceeding nine pence for every ton) as may be prescribed;
(c) where the potatoes in such consignment are graded and packed in registered premises of which such exporter is not the registered proprietor, the rate shall be—
(i) if such potatoes (whether ware potatoes or seed potatoes) are submitted for examination at a railway station or a wharf, such rate (not exceeding nine pence for every ton) as may be prescribed,
(ii) if such potatoes (whether ware potatoes or seed potatoes) are submitted for examination at any other place, such rate (not exceeding one shilling for every ton) as may be prescribed.
(2) Every licensed (grower) exporter shall in respect of every consignment of potatoes submitted by him to an inspector for examination under this Act pay to the Minister at the time and in the manner provided by this Act a fee (in this Act also referred to as an inspection fee) calculated by reference to the number of tons of potatoes in such consignment and such fee shall be at such rate (not exceeding six pence for every ton of ware potatoes and nine pence for every ton of seed potatoes) as may be prescribed.
(3) For the purpose of calculating the amount of any inspection fee chargeable under this section the following provisions shall have effect, that is to say:—
(a) any reference in this section to the weight of potatoes shall be deemed to be a reference to the weight of such potatoes and the packages in which they are contained;
(b) where the weight of the potatoes in any consignment is less than one ton the weight of such potatoes shall be deemed to be one ton;
(c) where the weight of potatoes in any consignment exceeds a ton or exceeds any complete number of tons such excess shall be deemed to be a ton.
Time and manner of payment of inspection fees.
10.—(1) As soon as may be after the expiration of every account period the Minister shall ascertain in the prescribed manner the amount (if any) due for inspection fees by every licensed exporter in respect of potatoes submitted by such exporter to an inspector for examination by such inspector under this Act during such period and shall issue a certificate (in this section referred to as a certificate of indebtedness) in the prescribed form certifying the amount due by such licensed exporter for inspection fees in respect of such account period.
(2) Every certificate of indebtedness shall be conclusive evidence of all matters purported to be certified therein.
(3) As soon as may be after the issue of each certificate of indebtedness, a copy thereof shall be served by post on the licensed exporter whose indebtedness for inspection fees is certified by such certificate and immediately upon such service the amount certified to be payable by such certificate shall become and be due and payable by such licensed exporter to the Minister, and after the expiration of four weeks from such service shall be recoverable by the Minister as a simple contract debt in any court of competent jurisdiction.
(4) If a licensed exporter fails or neglects to pay the amount certified by a certificate of indebtedness to be payable by him within four weeks after the service of a copy of such certificate on him, the Minister may revoke such licensed exporter's licence, but such revocation shall not relieve such licensed exporter from liability to pay the said amount.
(5) Where an exporter's licence is revoked under the foregoing sub-section, the registration in the register of potato packing premises of the premises of which he is the registered proprietor shall, by virtue of this sub-section, be cancelled as from the date upon which the revocation of such licence took place, and such premises shall not be again registered in the said register so long as the amount or any part of the amount the non-payment of which occasioned such revocation remains unpaid.
(6) For the purposes of this section each of the following periods shall be an account period, that is to say:—
(a) every period of three months commencing on any 1st day of January;
(b) every period of three months commencing on any 1st day of April;
(c) every period of six months commencing on any 1st day of July.
Devolution of licence on death.
11.—Where a licensed exporter dies, the exporter's licence held by him shall devolve on his legal personal representative as part of his personal estate.
Transfer of exporter's licence.
12.—The Minister may on the application of a licensed exporter or, where a licensed exporter is an incorporated body, of the liquidator of such body, or of the legal personal representative of a deceased licensed exporter, transfer the licence held by such licensed exporter to another person, but an exporter's licence shall not be so transferred to a person who at the date of such transfer is not the registered proprietor of registered premises.
Rectification and revocation of exporter's licences.
13.—(1) The Minister may at any time alter or revoke an exporter's licence upon the application of the holder of such licence or, in the case of an individual, the legal personal representative or, in the case of an incorporated body, the liquidator of the holder of such licence.
(2) The Minister may at any time, without any such application, revoke an exporter's licence if he is satisfied—
(a) that such licence was procured by fraud or by misrepresentation whether fraudulent or innocent; or
(b) that the premises of which the holder of such licence is the registered proprietor have ceased to be registered in the register of potato packing premises; or
(c) that the holder of such licence, if an individual, has died or, if an incorporated body, has been dissolved and that such licence has not been transferred by the Minister under this Act to another person within three months after such death or dissolution; or
(d) that the holder of such licence has been adjudicated a bankrupt; or
(e) in the case of an exporter's (general) licence, that in any calendar year other than the first calendar year subsequent to the date on which such licence was issued either—
(i) no potatoes were exported by the holder of such licence during such year, or
(ii) if ware potatoes only were exported by such holder during such year, the quantity so exported was less than three hundred tons, or
(iii) if seed potatoes only were exported by such holder during such year, the quantity so exported was less than one hundred and fifty tons, or
(iv) if both ware potatoes and seed potatoes were exported by such holder during such year, the total quantity of potatoes so exported was less than three hundred tons;
for the purpose of this sub-paragraph, a quantity of seed potatoes shall be reckoned as weighing twice its actual weight; or
(f) in the case of an exporter's (grower's) licence, that in the opinion of the Minister the holder of such licence has committed a breach of the statutory conditions attaching to an exporter's (grower's) licence or either of such conditions; or
(g) that, in the opinion of the Minister, there has been any contravention by the holder of such licence (whether by way of commission or omission) of this Act or any regulations made thereunder; or
(h) that the holder of such licence, having made a contract for the sale of potatoes to be exported by virtue of his licence has, in the opinion of the Minister, without reasonable cause failed or omitted to carry out such contract.
(3) Before revoking (otherwise than in accordance with an application in that behalf made under this section) an exporter's licence, the Minister shall give at least one fortnight's notice in writing of his intention so to revoke such licence to the holder thereof, or his legal personal representative (if any) or the liquidator of the holder (as the case may be), and shall consider any representations made before the expiration of such notice by such holder, or legal personal representative or liquidator (as the case may be), and may if he thinks fit cause an inquiry to be held in relation to the matter.
(4) A notice of the Minister's intention to revoke or alter an exporter's licence may be served by delivering it to the person to whom it is addressed or by leaving it with a person over sixteen years of age on the registered premises of the holder of the licence or by sending it by post to the person to whom it is addressed at his last known place of abode.
(5) Where an exporter's licence has been revoked by the Minister under this section, the Minister may at any time thereafter refuse to grant an exporter's licence to the person who was the holder of such first-mentioned licence immediately before the revocation thereof.
Evidence of contents of register.
14.—(1) The register of potato packing premises shall be—
(a) deemed to be in the proper custody when in the custody of the Minister or of any officer of the Minister authorised in that behalf by the Minister; and
(b) admissible in evidence without further proof on production from the proper custody.
(2) Prima facie evidence of any entry in the register of potato packing premises may be given in any court or any legal proceeding by the production of a copy of such entry purporting to be certified to be a true copy by any officer of the Minister authorised in that behalf, and it shall not be necessary to prove the signature of such officer, or that he was in fact such officer, or was in fact so authorised.
(3) A certificate purporting to be under the hand of an officer of the Minister authorised in that behalf by the Minister, that any premises specified in such certificate are not entered in the register of potato packing premises shall be conclusive evidence of the matters so certified, and it shall not be necessary to prove the signature of such officer, or that he was in fact such officer, or was in fact so authorised.
(4) Any person may—
(a) inspect the register of potato packing premises on payment of such fee, not exceeding one shilling for each inspection, as shall be prescribed;
(b) obtain a copy, certified in manner hereinbefore mentioned to be a true copy, of any entry in the register of potato packing premises on payment of such fee, not exceeding sixpence for each folio of seventy-two words of the copy, as may be prescribed;
(c) obtain such certificate as is hereinbefore mentioned that of potato packing premises on payment of such fee, not exceeding two shillings and sixpence for each certificate, as may be prescribed.
Publication of contents of register, etc.
15.—(1) The Minister may publish in such manner as he may think fit—
(a) all or any of the matter entered in the register of potato packing premises, and
(b) particulars of any exporter's licence, and
(c) notice of the cancellation of an exporter's licence, and
(d) notice of any cancellation or alteration of registration in the register of potato packing premises; and
(e) notice of any conviction for an offence against any provision of this Act.
(2) The Minister may from time to time collect and publish such statistical information with respect to the extent and condition of the potato trade as he may think fit.
Inspection of registered premises.
16.—(1) Any inspector shall be entitled at all reasonable times to enter any registered premises or any premises in respect of which an application for registration has been made, and there to do all or any of the following things, that is to say:—
(a) to inspect all or any part of such premises and the equipment, appliances and fittings therein;
(b) to observe all or any of the processes of grading and packing of potatoes conducted in such premises;
(c) to examine all or any potatoes and packages in such premises and to take reasonable samples of all or any of such potatoes and packages.
(2) Every person who shall obstruct or impede any inspector in the exercise of any of the powers conferred on him by this section shall be guilty of an offence against this section, and shall be liable on summary conviction thereof to a penalty not exceeding five pounds.
Rectification and cancellation of registration of premises.
17.—(1) The Minister may, at any time, alter or cancel the registration of any premises under this Part of this Act upon the application in writing in the prescribed form and manner of the registered proprietor, or in the case of an individual the legal personal representative, or, in the case of an incorporated body, the liquidator, of the registered proprietor of such premises.
(2) The Minister may, at any time, without any such application as aforesaid, alter the registration of any premises under this Part of this Act in any respect in which such registration or licence appears to him to be erroneous or misleading.
(3) The Minister may, at any time, without any such application as aforesaid, cancel the registration of any premises registered under this Part of this Act if he is satisfied—
(a) that the registration of the premises was procured by fraud or by misrepresentation whether fraudulent or innocent; or
(b) that the premises have ceased to be eligible for registration in the register in which the same are registered; or
(c) that the accommodation and equipment provided in the premises is insufficient for the volume of business carried on therein; or
(d) that the registered proprietor, if an individual, has died, or if an incorporated body has been dissolved, and no other person has, within one month after such death or dissolution, been registered as proprietor in the place of the registered proprietor so dead or dissolved; or
(e) that the registered proprietor has been adjudicated a bankrupt; or
(f) that in the opinion of the Minister there has been any contravention (whether by way of commission or of omission) of this Act or any regulations made thereunder on the premises.
(4) Before altering or cancelling (otherwise than in accordance with an application in that behalf made under this section) the registration of any premises under this Act, the Minister shall give at least one fortnight's notice in writing of his intention so to cancel or alter such registration to the registered proprietor of such premises or his personal representative (if any) or its liquidator (as the case may be), and shall consider any representations made before the expiration of such notice by such registered proprietor or personal representative or liquidator (as the case may be), and may if he thinks fit cause an inquiry to be held in relation to the matter.
(5) A notice of the Minister's intention to cancel or alter the registration of premises under this Part of this Act may be served by delivering it to the person to whom it is addressed or by leaving it for him with a person over sixteen years of age on the premises to which it relates or by sending it by post to the person to whom it is addressed at his last known place of abode.
(6) Where the Minister has cancelled under this section the registration of any premises, the Minister may at any time thereafter refuse to register such premises in any register kept in pursuance of this Part of this Act.
PART III.
Regulations as to the Grading and Packing of Potatoes, the Marking of Packages of Potatoes, and the Conveyance of Potatoes.
Regulations for the grading and packing of potatoes.
18.—The Minister may by order make regulations (in this Act referred to as regulations for the grading and packing of potatoes) in regard to all or any of the following matters:—
(a) the method and manner in all respects of grading potatoes;
(b) the condition or state of potatoes in all respects at the time of packing;
(c) the method and manner in all respects of packing potatoes, including the packages to be used for such packing;
(d) the prohibition of packing of any particular grades or descriptions of potatoes.
Regulations for the marking of packages.
19.—(1) The Minister may by order make regulations (in this Act referred to as regulations for the marking of packages) prescribing the marks to be applied to every package of potatoes for export sold on or exported or consigned from any registered premises, for the purpose of indicating all or any of the following matters, that is to say:—
(a) the grade of the potatoes contained in such package;
(b) the registered premises in which such potatoes were packed;
(c) the licensed exporter of the potatoes;
(d) the kind of potato contained in such package;
(e) the variety of the potato contained in such package;
(f) the date upon which the potatoes were graded and packed;
(g) the colour of the soil on which the potatoes were grown;
(h) that such potatoes were grown in Saorstát Eireann;
(i) any other matter which, in the opinion of the Minister, should be indicated on such package.
(2) The regulations for the marking of packages shall prescribe the manner in which the marks prescribed thereby are to be applied to the packages of potatoes to which they are applicable and different manners of application may be prescribed in relation to the application of different marks.
(3) For the purpose of so much of this section as relates to the indication by marks of the premises in which potatoes were graded and packed and the licensed exporter of the potatoes, the Minister may assign to every registered premises and also to every licensed exporter a distinctive mark, and may by the regulations for the marking of packages require the marks so assigned to be used as the marks for indicating respectively the premises on which such potatoes were graded and packed and the licensed exporter of such potatoes.
(4) Whenever any mark is prescribed by the regulations for the marking of packages as the mark to be applied to packages containing potatoes of any particular kind or graded and packed in any particular premises, or exported by any particular licensed exporter, the application of such mark to packages of potatoes of any other kind or place of grading and packing or exported by any other person shall be taken to be a false trade description within the meaning of the Merchandise Marks Acts, 1887 to 1911, and those Acts, including the penal provisions thereof, shall apply accordingly.
(5) For the purpose of this section a mark shall be deemed to be applied if it is applied within the meaning of the Merchandise Marks Acts, 1887 to 1911.
(6) In this section the word “mark” includes any word, letter, figure, number, or design, or any combination of words, letters, figures, numbers, and designs or any one or more of them.
Prohibition of unauthorised marks on packages.
20.—(1) It shall not be lawful for any person to apply to any package of potatoes exported from registered premises any mark other than a mark required to be applied to such package by the regulations for the marking of packages.
(2) If any person acts in contravention of this section he shall be guilty of an offence under this section and shall be liable on summary conviction thereof to a fine not exceeding twenty pounds.
Regulations for the conveyance of potatoes.
21.—The Minister may by order make regulations (in this Act referred to as regulations for the conveyance of potatoes) in relation to the protection of potatoes from contamination or deterioration in any vehicle, railway wagon, or ship while in transit from registered premises to any place outside Saorstát Eireann.
PART IV.
Examination of Consignments of potatoes.
Inspection of crop of seed potatoes.
22.—(1) Any person who desires to sell as seed potatoes the whole or any part of a crop of potatoes grown by him may request the Minister to have such crop inspected while growing and on such request being made the Minister may, if he thinks fit, cause such crop to be inspected by an inspector.
(2) If on inspection of any crop of potatoes under the foregoing sub-section, the inspector is satisfied that such potatoes or part thereof are suitable for seed potatoes, such inspector shall issue a certificate (in this Act referred to as a certificate of suitability) in the prescribed form that such crop or such part thereof as is specified in such certificate is suitable for seed potatoes.
Examination regulations.
23.—The Minister may from time to time by order make regulations (in this Act referred to as examination regulations) in relation to the following matters, that is to say:—
(a) the method of examination by inspectors of consignments of potatoes submitted by licensed exporters to such inspectors for examination;
(b) the conditions (in this Act referred to as the conditions of suitability) with which such consignments must comply in order to be passed by such inspectors as suitable for consignment;
(c) the form design and material of the seal (in this Act referred to as the official seal) to be placed on every package containing seed potatoes comprised in a consignment which has been so passed as suitable for consignment and the manner in which such seal is to be placed on such package;
(d) the form design and material of the fastener (in this Act referred to as the official fastener) to be fastened to every package containing ware potatoes comprised in a consignment which has been so passed as suitable for consignment and the manner in which such fastener is to be fastened to such package.
Examination of consignments of potatoes.
24.—(1) The Minister may arrange for the examination by inspectors of consignments of potatoes at such places, and on such days and at such hours, as he may from time to time determine.
(2) Whenever a consignment of potatoes is submitted to an inspector for examination, such inspector shall, unless prohibited by this section from examining such consignment, examine such consignment and shall carry out such examination in accordance with the method prescribed by the examination regulations and if but only if, on such examination he is satisfied that such consignment complies with the conditions of suitability he shall—
(a) if the potatoes in such consignment are seed potatoes, seal each package in such consignment with the official seal;
(b) if the potatoes in such consignment are ware potatoes, fasten each package in such consignment with the official fastener.
(3) An inspector shall not examine any consignment of seed potatoes submitted to him for examination under this section unless there is produced to him at the time of such submission a certificate of suitability in respect of the potatoes contained in such consignment.
(4) Neither an official seal nor an official fastener sealed or fastened to a package of potatoes shall be deemed to be or construed in any way as a warranty of such potatoes, nor shall any liability attach to the Minister in respect of any such seal or fastener.
Consignment certificates.
25.—(1) Whenever a licensed exporter proposes to export in one lot a particular number of packages of seed potatoes which an inspector has sealed with the official seal and so informs such inspector, such inspector shall, at the request of such licensed exporter, issue in respect of such lot a certificate (in this Act referred to as a consignment certificate) certifying the number of packages (to be specified therein) of seed potatoes in such lot which have been sealed with the said seal.
(2) Whenever a licensed exporter proposes to export in one lot a particular number of packages of ware potatoes which an inspector has fastened with the official fastener and so informs such inspector, such inspector shall, at the request of such licensed exporter, issue in respect of such lot a certificate (in this Act also referred to as a consignment certificate) certifying the number of packages (to be specified therein) of ware potatoes in such lot which have been fastened with the said fastener.
PART V.
Export of Potatoes.
Period of exemption.
26.—(1) The Minister may from time to time by order declare that the period between the 20th day of May and the 31st day of August, both days inclusive, or such part of the said period as may be specified in such order shall in such year or years as may be specified in such order be a time of exemption for the purposes of this Part of this Act, and whenever such an order is made and in force the period declared by such order to be a time of exemption for the purposes of this Part of this Act shall in every year specified in such order be a time of exemption for the purposes of this Part of this Act.
(2) The Minister may at any time by order revoke or amend an order made under the foregoing sub-section of this section.
(3) Every order made by the Minister under this section shall be laid before each House of the Oireachtas as soon as may be after it is made, and if a resolution is passed by either such House within the next subsequent twenty-one days on which that House has sat annulling such order, such order shall be annulled accordingly, but without prejudice to the validity of anything previously done under such order.
Export of potatoes.
27.—(1) Subject to the exceptions mentioned in this section, all potatoes exported from Saorstát Eireann shall comply with the following conditions, that is to say:—
(a) such potatoes shall be exported by a licensed exporter; and
(b) such potatoes, if exported by a licensed (grower) exporter, shall be exported direct from the registered premises of which such licensed (grower) exporter is the registered proprietor; and
(c) such potatoes if exported by a licensed (general) exporter, shall be exported direct from registered premises; and
(d) such potatoes shall comply with the regulations as to the grading and packing of potatoes, and shall have been graded and packed in the registered premises from which they are exported, and
(e) such potatoes shall not, save by an inspector, have been removed from the packages in which they were so packed, and
(f) such potatoes are contained in packages which have applied thereto the marks prescribed by regulations for the marking of packages of potatoes, and
(g) such potatoes, if seed potatoes, shall be contained in packages sealed with the official seal, and
(h) such potatoes, if ware potatoes, shall be contained in packages fastened with the official fastener, and
(i) except in the case of early potatoes exported in barrels, such potatoes shall be contained in packages, each of which, when filled, shall contain not less than the prescribed weight of potatoes exclusive of the weight of the package, and any extraneous matter contained therein, and
(j) such potatoes shall be accompanied by a consignment certificate.
(2) Subject to the exceptions mentioned in this section every person who exports or attempts to export or causes to be exported any potatoes which do not comply with all the conditions applicable thereto prescribed by the foregoing sub-section shall be guilty of an offence under this section.
(3) Every person who shall carry for reward any potatoes which are being or are intended to be exported in contravention of sub-section (1) of this section shall, if such carrying is done in the course or for the purpose of the exportation of such potatoes, be guilty of an offence under this section unless such person proves that he did not know and could not reasonably have known that such potatoes were being exported in contravention of this section.
(4) Every person carrying for reward any potatoes which are being exported who fails or neglects in relation to such potatoes to comply with the regulations for the carriage of potatoes shall be guilty of an offence under this section.
(5) Every person guilty of an offence under this section shall be liable on summary conviction thereof, in the case of a first offence to a fine not exceeding twenty pounds, and in the case of a second or any subsequent offence to a fine not exceeding fifty pounds, or, at the discretion of the court, to imprisonment for any term not exceeding six months or to both such fine and imprisonment.
(6) This section shall not apply to any potatoes—
(a) which—
(i) are exported in one lot or consignment, and
(ii) do not, with the packages (if any) containing the same, exceed in weight five hundredweights, and
(iii) if contained in packages, are contained in packages which are not marked with any of the marks prescribed by the regulations for the marking of packages of potatoes, and are not sealed or fastened with the official seal or official fastener, or
(b) which are exported under and in accordance with a special licence granted under this Act, or
(c) which—
(i) are exported in one lot or consignment into Northern Ireland by the grower thereof in his own vehicle, and
(ii) do not, with the packages (if any) containing the same, exceed in weight one ton, and
(iii) if contained in packages, are contained in packages which are not marked with any of the marks prescribed by the regulations for the marking of packages of potatoes and are not sealed or fastened with the official seal or official fastener, or
(d) which are exported in a package consigned and forwarded through Saorstát Eireann from any place outside Saorstát Eireann to another such place but not otherwise dealt with in Saorstát Eireann, or
(e) which are exported during a period which is a time of exemption for the purposes of this Part of this Act, or
(f) which are exported by the Minister.
Special licence to export potatoes.
28.—(1) Upon the application of any person who desires to export a particular consignment of potatoes grown by himself, upon payment to the Minister by such person of the fee chargeable under this section, and after inspection of such consignment by an inspector, the Minister may, if he thinks fit, grant to such person a licence (in this Part of this Act referred to as a special licence) in the prescribed form, to export such consignment subject to such conditions as may be imposed by the Minister and specified in such licence.
(2) A fee shall be charged under this section for every special licence granted under this section calculated by reference to the number of tons of potatoes in the consignment to which such licence relates at such rate (not exceeding six shillings for a ton) as may be prescribed.
(3) A special licence granted under this section shall operate to authorise the person to whom the same is granted to export, in accordance with the terms of such licence, the consignment of potatoes specified therein.
(4) The Minister may at any time before a consignment of potatoes specified in a special licence is actually exported without assigning any reason, revoke the special licence relating to such consignment and return the fee paid upon the application for such licence.
(5) For the purpose of calculating the amount of any fee chargeable under this section for the granting of a special licence the following provisions shall have effect, that is to say:—
(a) any reference in this section to the weight of potatoes shall be deemed a reference to the weight of such potatoes and of the packages in which they are contained;
(b) where the weight of the potatoes in any consignment is less than one ton, the weight of such potatoes shall be deemed to be one ton;
(c) where the weight of potatoes in any consignment exceeds a ton or exceeds any complete number of tons such excess shall be deemed to be a ton.
(6) Every person to whom a special licence has been granted under this section who contravenes any of the terms or conditions contained in such licence, and every person (whether holding or not holding a special licence) who falsely represents by means of a mark on any consignment of potatoes that such consignment of potatoes is being exported under a special licence granted under this section shall be guilty of an offence under this section and shall be liable on summary conviction thereof to a fine not exceeding twenty pounds.
Inspection, etc. of potatoes.
29.—(1) Any inspector shall be entitled at all reasonable times to enter upon and have free access to the interior of—
(a) any registered premises; or
(b) the premises of any person engaged in the business of carrying goods for reward; or
(c) any warehouse or other premises of any person engaged in the business of ware-housing goods intended for export, or in process of being exported; or
(d) any pier, quay, wharf, jetty, dock or dock premises; or
(e) any ship, boat, railway wagon, motor lorry, cart or other vessel or vehicle used for the conveyance of goods.
(2) Any inspector may inspect any potatoes, or any package found in any place upon or to which he is entitled under this section to enter or have access or upon or in any public place and may open any such package which he reasonably believes or suspects to contain potatoes intended for export, and may take or remove without payment—
(a) reasonable samples of any potatoes found in any such place, whether such potatoes are or are not contained in a package; and
(b) any one package forming part of a consignment of potatoes found in any such place.
(3) If any person—
(a) obstructs or impedes any inspector in the exercise of any of the powers conferred on him by this section; or
(b) knowing the name or other particulars of the consignor, consignee, or owner of any potatoes, or of any package which an inspector is entitled to inspect under this section, refuses to give such name or other particulars to such inspector; or
(c) wilfully or recklessly gives to such inspector any false or misleading name or other particulars of any such consignor, consignee, or owner;
such person shall be guilty of an offence under this section and shall be liable on summary conviction thereof, in the case of a first offence to a penalty not exceeding five pounds, and in the case of a second or any subsequent offence to a penalty not exceeding ten pounds.
(4) Where any package is taken by an inspector under this section in any place (other than registered premises) it shall be the duty of such inspector to notify the owner or the consignor and the consignee (if and so far as their names and addresses are known to or can reasonably be ascertained by him) of the taking of such sample or package.
(5) If on the examination of any package taken under this section it appears to the Minister that there was a contravention or attempted contravention of any of the provisions of this Act or any regulations made thereunder in relation to the consignment from which the package was taken, the package may be forfeited to the Minister, and in any other case, the package shall be disposed of in accordance with the directions of the consignor, or in default of such direction, shall be sold and the net proceeds of sale paid to the consignor.
(6) Neither the Minister, nor any inspector, shall be liable for any loss or damage arising from the exercise by an inspector of any of the powers conferred on him by this section, and no action shall lie against the consignor or any other person, for or on account of any such loss or damage as aforesaid.
(7) In the exercise in or upon the premises of any railway or shipping company of the powers conferred on him by this section, an inspector shall conform to such reasonable requirements of such company as are necessary to prevent the working of the traffic on such premises being obstructed or interfered with.
Powers of officers of Customs and Excise.
30.—Officers of customs and excise shall have the like powers in relation to any potatoes and packages, the export of which is prohibited or restricted by this Act as such officers have by law in relation to other articles the export of which is prohibited or restricted by law.
PART VI.
Miscellaneous and General.
Unlawful possession of seals, fasteners, and certificates.
31.—(1) It shall not be lawful for any person to make, order, purchase, import or have in his possession an official seal or a colourable imitation thereof, or an official fastener, or a colourable imitation thereof, or a prescribed form of certificate of suitability or a colourable imitation thereof, or a prescribed form of consignment certificate or a colourable imitation thereof.
(2) Nothing in this section shall render it unlawful for any person to have in his possession an official seal or an official fastener with which a package of potatoes has been sealed or fastened by an inspector under this Act.
(3) Nothing in this section shall render it unlawful for an officer of the State acting in the course of his duty as such officer to order, purchase, import or have in his possession an official seal, or an official fastener, or to order, purchase, import, or have in his possession a prescribed form of consignment certificate or certificate of suitability or for any person in pursuance of an order lawfully given or a contract lawfully made by any such officer to make, import or have in his possession any such seal, fastener or form.
(4) Every person who in contravention of this section, makes, orders, purchases, imports or has in his possession an official seal or a colourable imitation thereof or an official fastener or a colourable imitation thereof or a prescribed form of consignment certificate or a colourable imitation thereof, or a prescribed form of certificate of suitability or a colourable imitation thereof shall be guilty of an offence under this section and shall be liable on summary conviction thereof to a fine not exceeding twenty-five pounds, or at the discretion of the Court, to imprisonment for any term not exceeding three months.
Unlawful use of seals and fasteners.
32.—(1) It shall not be lawful for any person (other than an inspector) to seal any package of potatoes with an official seal, or to fasten any package of potatoes with an official fastener.
(2) Every person who acts in contravention of this section shall be guilty of an offence under this section and shall be liable on summary conviction thereof to a fine not exceeding twenty-five pounds, or, at the discretion of the Court, to imprisonment for any term not exceeding three months.
Saving as to powers under other Acts.
33.—The powers conferred on the Minister by this Act shall be and be exercised without prejudice to the exercise by the Minister and by local authorities of the powers respectively conferred on them by the Destructive Insects and Pests Acts, 1877 to 1929.
Offences.
34.—Every offence under any provision of this Act may be prosecuted by or at the suit of the Minister as prosecutor.
General Regulations.
35.—(1) The Minister may by order make regulations in regard to any matter or thing referred to in this Act as prescribed, or as being or to be prescribed.
(2) Any regulations made by the Minister under this Act may relate to the several matters in respect of which the power to make regulations is conferred by different sections of this Act.
(3) Any regulations made by the Minister under this Act in regard to fees shall be subject to the approval of the Minister for Finance.
(4) Every regulation made by the Minister under this Act shall be laid before each House of the Oireachtas as soon as may be after it is made, and if a resolution is passed by either House of the Oireachtas within the next subsequent twenty-one days on which that House has sat annulling such regulation, such regulation shall be annulled accordingly, but without prejudice to the validity of anything previously done under such regulation.
Disposition of fees received by the Minister.
36.—All fees received by the Minister under this Act shall be paid into or disposed of for the benefit of the Exchequer in such manner as the Minister for Finance may direct.
Expenses.
37.—All expenses of carrying this Act into effect shall, to such extent as shall be sanctioned by the Minister for Finance, be paid out of moneys to be provided from time to time by the Oireachtas.