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Uimhir 45 de 1926.
ACHT RADIO-THELEGRAFAÍOCHTA, 1926.
Roimh-ra.
Gearr-theideal.
1.—Féadfar an tAcht Radio-Thelegrafaíochta, 1926, do ghairm den Acht so.
Mínithe.
2.—San Acht so—
cialluíonn an focal “an tAire” an tAire Puist agus Telegrafa;
cialluíonn agus foluíonn an focal “radio-thelegrafaíocht” aon mhodh chun teachtaireachtaí, focail labhartha, ceol, íomháigheanna, pictiúirí, priondaí, no scéala, fuaimeanna, no comharthaí eile do chur in úil le tonntracha leictre-mhaighnéadacha leathta as gléas no inneall a dineadh chun scéala, fuaimeanna, no comharthaí den tsórt san do chur amach;
cialluíonn an focal “gléas radio-thelegrafaíochta” gléas chun teachtaireachtaí, focail labhartha, ceol, íomháigheanna, pictiúirí, priondaí, no scéala, fuaimeanna, no comharthaí eile do chur amach agus do ghlaca no chun a gcurtha amach no chun a nglactha agus foluíonn sé aon chuid den ghléas san agus aon earra gur chun í d'úsáid mar chuid den ghléas san is mó atá sí ceaptha agus nách uiriste a úsáid chun aon chríche eile;
cialluíonn an focal “foirleatha” abhar foirleatha do chur amach, d'ath-leatha, no do scaipe le radio-thelegrafaíocht;
cialluíonn an focal “stáisiún foirleatha” foirgint no áit eile atá feistithe agus gléasta i gcóir foirleatha;
cialluíonn agus foluíonn “abhar foirleatha” aon leictiúirí, oráideacha, nuacht, tuairiscí, fógráin, abhar aithriseoireachta, siamsaí drámúla agus focail labhartha eile, agus aon cheol (pe'ca ceol gotha no ceol gléis é) agus fuaimeanna eile a bheidh ceaduithe ag an Aire mar nithe atá oiriúnach chun a bhfoirleatha o stáisiún fhoirleatha a bheidh á chimeád suas fén Acht so;
cialluíonn an focal “stáisiún comharthaíochta” aon ghléas seasmhach no do-aistrithe chun comharthú le comharthaí sofheicse no chun comharthú le comharthaí so-chluinte.
Cuid I.
Radio-Thelegrafaiocht agus Radio-Chomharaiocht.
Srian le seilbh gléas radiothelegrafaíochta.
3.—(1) Fé réir na n-eisceacht a luaidhtear ina dhiaidh seo anso ní chimeádfidh éinne ná ní bheidh ar seilbh aige aon ghléas radiothelegrafaíochta in aon áit i Saorstát Éireann ná in aon luing ná in aon árthach aeir le n-a mbaineann an t-alt so, ach amháin sa mhéid go mbeidh an cimeád no an tseilbh sin údaruithe le ceadúnas a deonadh fén Acht so agus a bheidh i bhfeidhm de thurus na huaire.
(2) Einne bheidh i seilbh gléis radio-thelegrafaíochta fé cheadúnas a deonadh fén Acht so ní oibreoidh ná ní úsáidfe sé an gléas san ach do réir na dtéarmaí agus na gcoiníoll 'na dtuigfar de bhua an Achta so gur fé n-a réir a deonadh an ceadúnas san.
(3) Gach éinne a chimeádfidh, 'na mbeidh ar seilbh aige, a oibreoidh, no a úsáidfidh aon ghléas radio-thelegrafaíochta contrárdha don alt so, beidh sé ciontach i gcionta fen alt so agus ar a chiontú ann ar an slí achmair dlighfar fíneáil ná raghaidh thar dheich bpúint do chur air agus ina theanta san, i gcás cionta leanúnaigh, fíneáil bhreise ná raghaidh thar phunt in aghaidh gach lá a leanfidh an cionta agus fós, i ngach cás, geallbhruide an ghléis go léir tré n-ar dineadh an cionta.
(4) Aon ghléas radio-thelegrafaíochta a bheidh feistithe ar luing le n-a mbaineann an t-alt so no a cimeádfar in aon luing den tsórt san chun úsáide no chun crícheanna generálta na luinge contrárdha don alt so, tuigfar, chun crícheanna cúisimh fén alt so, go bhfuil sé á chimeád agus ar seilbh ag máistir na luinge sin agus á chimeád agus ar seilbh, leis, ag únaer na luinge sin.
(5) Fé réir na n-eisceacht a luaidhtear ina dhiaidh seo anso baineann an t-alt so—
(a) le gach luing atá cláruithe i Saorstát Éireann, agus
(b) le gach luing no árthach eile nea-chláruithe a cimeádtar do ghnáth in uiscí Shaorstáit Éireann (pe'ca laistigh no lasmuich de dhóibh) no a thaithíonn iad, agus
(c) le gach luing no árthach ná baineann ceachtar de sna míreanna san roimhe seo léi agus a bheidh de thurus na huaire in uiscí Shaorstáit Éireann (pe'ca laistigh no lasmuich de dhóibh) agus nár deonadh ina taobh, in aon tír ná stát eile, aon cheadúnas a bheidh i bhfeidhm an uair sin chun seilbhe no chun oibrithe gléis radio-thelegrafaíochta, agus
(d) le gach árthach aeir le duine gur i Saorstát Éireann atá a ghnáth-áit chomhnaithe aige más éinne amháin é, no gur i Saorstát Éireann atá a phríomh-oifig aige más comhlachas, cuideachta, no cólucht eile (corparáideach no nea-chorparáideach) é, agus
(e) le gach árthach aeir ná baineann an mhír sin roimhe seo léi agus a bheidh de thurus na huaire i Saorstát Éireann no in uiscí Shaorstáit Éireann no os cionn ceachtar acu agus nár deonadh ina taobh, in aon tír ná stát eile, aon cheadúnas a bheidh i bhfeidhm an uair sin chun seilbhe no chun oibrithe gléis radiothelegrafaíochta.
(6) Ní bhainfidh an t-alt so le haon ghléas radio-thelegrafaíochta a bheidh á chimeád no ar seilbh ag an Aire Cosanta chun crícheanna na bhFórsaí Cosanta, ná le haon luing chogaidh le Rialtas Shaorstáit Éireann no le haon tír no stát eile.
(7) Chun crícheanna an ailt seo cialluíonn an focal “long no árthach eile nea-chláruithe” long no árthach eile ná beidh cláruithe fé sna dlithe a bheidh i bhfeidhm de thurus na huaire maidir le clárú long i Saorstát Éireann no in aon tír no stát eile.
Srian le stáisiúin chomharthaíochta do chimeád suas.
4.—(1) Ní chimeádfidh éinne suas stáisiún comharthaíochta a bheidh ceaptha chun a úsáidthe no is féidir a úsáid chun conbharsáid do dhéanamh le longa ar muir ach amháin sa mhéid go mbeidh an cimeád-suas san údaruithe le ceadúnas a deonadh fén Acht so agus a bheidh i bhfeidhm de thurus na huaire.
(2) Ní oibreoidh ná ní úsáidfidh éinne aon stáisiún comharthaíochta den tsórt san roimhráite ná beidh a chiméad-suas údaruithe le ceadúnas a deonadh fén Acht so agus a bheidh i bhfeidhm de thurus na huaire ná ní oibreoidh ná ní úsáidfidh éinne aon stáisiún comharthaíochta den tsórt san in aon tslí a bheidh contrárdha don cheadúnas a deonadh fén Acht so i dtaobh an stáisiúin sin.
(3) Gach éinne a chimeádfidh suas, a oibreoidh, no a úsáidfidh aon stáisiún comharthaíochta den tsórt san roimhráite contrárdha don alt so, beidh sé ciontach i gcionta fén alt so agus ar a chiontú ann ar an slí achmair dlighfar fíneáil ná raghaidh thar dheich bpúint do chur air agus ina theanta san, i gcás cionta leanúnaigh, fíneáil bhreise ná raghaidh thar phunt in aghaidh gach lá a leanfidh an cionta.
(4) Ní bhainfidh éinní san alt so le haon stáisiún comharthaíochta a cimeádtar suas fén Lloyd's Signal Station Act, 1888, no a cimeádtar suas ag an Aire Tionnscail agus Tráchtála no fé n-a chúram no ag Coimisinéirí Soillse na hÉireann no fé n-a gcúram no ag éinne no fé chúram éinne go bhfuil aige do réir dlí údarás ar thithe soluis, ar éadtromáin mhara agus ar rabhacháin mhara áitiúla.
Ceadúnaisí do dheona.
5.—(1) Fé réir forálacha an Achta so agus ar íoc na táille orduithe (más ann di) féadfidh an tAire ceadúnas do dheona d'éinne chun gléas radio-thelegrafaíochta do chiméad agus do bheith ar seilbh aige in aon áit áirithe i Saorstát Éireann no chun gléas radio-thelegrafaíochta do chimeád agus do bheith ar seilbh aige in aon luing no árthach eile áirithe no in aon árthach aeir áirithe no chun stáisiún comharthaíochta do chimeád suas in aon áit i Saorstát Éireann.
(2) Gach ceadúnas a deonfar fén Acht so beidh sé i pé fuirm, leanfa sé i bhfeidhm ar feadh pé tréimhse, agus beidh sé fé réir pé coiníollacha agus sriantachtaí (ar a n-áirítear coiníollacha a bhaineann le cur-ar-fionnraí agus le ceiliúra) a hordófar ina thaobh le rialacháin a dhéanfidh an tAire fén Acht so.
Rialacháin i dtaobh ceadúnaisí.
6.—(1) Féadfidh an tAire, le hordú, rialacháin do dhéanamh ag ordú gach ní no éinní acu so a leanas maidir le gach ceadúnas a deonfar fén Acht so no le haon tsaghas no saghsanna áirithe de sna ceadúnaisí sin, sé sin le rá:—
(a) fuirm na gceadúnas san,
(b) tréimhse fheidhme na gceadúnas san,
(c) an tslí ina ndéanfar, na téarmaí ar a ndéanfar, agus an tréimhse no na tréimhsí dá ndéanfar na ceadúnaisí sin d'athnuachaint,
(d) an cás agus an tslí ina bhféadfidh an tAire na ceadúnaisí sin do chur ar fionnraí no do cheiliúra,
(e) na téarmaí agus na coiníollacha a bheidh le forchimeád ag sealbhóirí na gceadúnas san agus 'na dtuigfar gur fé n-a réir a deonadh na ceadúnaisí sin.
(f) na táillí a bheidh le n'íoc nuair a deonfar no a hathnuafar na ceadúnaisí sin agus am agus modh íoctha na dtáillí sin,
(g) éinní eile i dtaobh na gceadúnas san go bhfeicfar don Aire gur gá no gur mhaith an rud é socrú dhéanamh ina thaobh tré rialacháin do dhéanamh fén alt so.
(2) Le rialacháin a déanfar fén alt so féadfar a údarú agus a shocrú go ndeonfar ceadúnas fén Acht so fé réir téarmaí, coiníollacha, agus sriantachtaí speisialta d'éinne a chuirfidh ina luighe ar an Aire gur chun trialacha dhéanamh i radio-thelegrafaíocht agus chuige sin amháin a theastuíonn an ceadúnas uaidh.
(3) Ní déanfar aon rialachán fén alt so i dtaobh táillí gan toiliú roimh ré ón Aire Airgid.
(4) Gach rialachán a déanfar fén alt so leagfar é fé bhráid gach Tighe den Oireachtas chó luath agus is féidir é tar éis a dhéanta agus má dhineann ceachtar den dá Thigh sin, laistigh den lá is fiche a shuidhfidh ceachtar díobh tar éis leaga an rialacháin fé bhráid na dTithe sin, rún do rith ag cur an rialacháin sin ar nea-mbrí beidh an rialachán san ar nea-mbrí dá réir sin ach beidh san gan dochar do dhleathacht éinní a dineadh roimhe sin fén rialachán san.
Oblagáid chun eolas áirithe do thabhairt.
7.—(1) Féadfidh an tAire, más dó leis agus nuair is dó leis gur ceart é dhéanamh, a chur fé ndeár fógra speisialta i scríbhinn (agus fuirm faisnéise ag gabháil leis no ceangailte dhe) do sheirbheáil tríd an bpost cláruithe ar aon duine, á éileamh ar an duine sin ní no nithe dá luaidhtear anso ina dhiaidh seo, pé ní no nithe acu a luadhfar sa bhfógra, do rá ar an bhfuirm faisnéise sin agus an fhaisnéis sin do shighniú agus do chríochnú ar gach slí eile agus í do thabhairt d'oifigeach áirithe don Aire no í do chur chuige tríd an bpost laistigh de cheithre lá déag tar éis seirbheála an fhógra air.
(2) Isiad nithe a féadfar a éileamh ar dhuine fén alt so a rá i bhfaisnéis ná—
(a) ce'ca tá gléas radio-thelegrafaíochta i gcimeád no ar seilbh aige no ná fuil,
(b) má tá aon ghléas den tsórt san i gcimeád no ar seilbh aige, cadé an saghas an gléas san agus cá bhfuil sé i gcimeád no ar seilbh aige,
(c) ce'ca tá no ná fuil ceadúnas aige a deonadh fén Acht so agus atá i bhfeidhm an uair sin,
(d) má tá a leithéid sin de cheadúnas aige, uimhir, dáta, agus oifig tabhartha amach an cheadúnais sin,
(e) éinní eile a bhaineann le radio-thelegrafaíocht.
(3) Gach éinne ar a seirbheálfar fógra speisialta go cuibhe fén alt so déanfa sé laistigh den aimsir roimhráite an fhuirm fhaisnéise a bheidh ag gabháil leis an bhfógra san no ceangailte dhe do chríochnú go cuibhe agus go ceart do réir an fhógra san agus an ailt seo agus an fhaisnéis sin do thabhairt don oifigeach a bheidh ainmnithe chuige sin sa bhfógra san no í chur chuige, agus má leigeann éinne den tsórt san i bhfaillí no i bhfuaire an fhaisnéis sin do chríochnú agus do thabhairt no do chur uaidh amhlaidh no má abrann sé sa bhfaisnéis sin éinní is eol do a bheith bréagach no mí-threorach beidh sé ciontach i gcionta fén alt so agus ar a chiontú ann ar an slí achmair dlighfar fíneáil ná raghaidh thar chúig púint do chur air.
Barántaisí cuardaigh do thabhairt amach.
8.—(1) Ar fháil scéala fé mhionn do Bhreitheamh den Chúirt Dúithche o oifigeach don Aire no o bhall den Ghárda Síochána go bhfuil cúis réasúnta chun a chreidiúint go bhfuil gléas radiothelegrafaíochta á chimeád no á oibriú no á úsáid in aon áit áirithe no in aon luing áirithe contrárdha d'aon fhoráil den Acht so no d'aon rialachán a bheidh déanta no d'aon choiníoll a bheidh forchurtha fén Acht so, féadfa sé barántas cuardaigh do dheona don oifigeach san don Aire no (le toiliú an Aire) don bhall san den Ghárda Síochána (pe'ca aca é) agus déarfidh agus déanfidh an barántas san a údarú don oifigeach don Aire no don bhall den Ghárda Síochána dá ndeonfar é dul isteach, le héigean más gá é, san áit no sa luing a bheidh ainmnithe sa scéala san agus cuardach do dhéanamh ann do ghléas radiothelegrafaíochta agus gach gléas den tsórt san a gheobhfar ann do scrúdú agus an gléas san go léir no aon chuid den ghléas san a chífar don oifigeach no don bhall san a bheith á chimeád no á oibriú no á úsáid contrárdha d'aon fhoráil den Acht so no d'aon rialachán a bheidh déanta no d'aon choiníoll a bheidh forchurtha fén Acht so do thógaint agus do bhreith leis.
(2) Le barántas cuardaigh a deonfar fén alt so d'oifigeach don Aire féadfar a údarú don oifigeach san no, más oiriúnach leis an mBreitheamh a bheidh á dheona é, a éileamh air ball nó baill den Ghárda Síochána do dhul le n-a chois agus é ag déanamh an chuardaigh fén mbarántas.
Rialacháin i dtaobh radiothelegrafaíochta i loingeas agus in árthaí aeir.
9.—(1) Tré ordú do dhéanamh tar éis dul i gcomhairle leis an Aire Tionnscail agus Tráchtála féadfidh an tAire rialacháin do dhéanamh i dtaobh gach ní no éinní acu so a leanas, sé sin le rá:—
(a) á éileamh ar oibritheoirí agus ar dhaoine eile a bheidh ag gabháil d'oibriú ghléas radio-thelegrafaíochta ar gach saghas no aon tsaghas luinge a bheidh cláruithe i Saorstát Éireann deimbnithe inniúlachta bheith acu;
(b) á éileamh ar oibritheoirí agus ar dhaoine eile a bheidh ag gabháil d'oibriú ghléas radio-thelegrafaíochta ar gach saghas no aon tsaghas árthaigh aeir le daoine i Saorstát Éireann deimhnithe inniúlachta bheith acu;
(c) deona agus athnuachaint na ndeimhnithe inniúlachta san, na téarmaí agus na coiníollacha ar a ndeonfar na deimhnithe sin, agus na cáilíochta nách foláir a bheith ag daoine dá ndeonfar na deimhnithe sin agus na scrúduithe agus na tástála eile fé n-a raghaid;
(d) buaine, ceiliúra agus cur-ar-fionnraí deimhnithe inniúlachta a deonfar fé sna rialacháin;
(e) dleathacht, buaine, athnuachaint, ceiliúra agus cur-arfionnraí deimhnithe inniúlachta a deonadh ar shlí eile seachas fé sna rialacháin, ag an Aire no ag éinne eile roimh rith an Achta so no dá éis sin;
(f) fé réir aontú an Aire Airgid, na táillí a héileofar ar son no i dtaobh deona agus athnuachaint aon deimhnithe inniúlachta den tsórt san roimhráite agus bailiú na dtáillí sin agus cad déanfar leo;
(g) regleáil agus smacht do chimeád maidir le trátha agus modh oibrithe gléasanna radio-thelegrafaíochta loingeas a bheidh cláruithe i Saorstát Éireann agus, le linn iad do bheith in uiscí tíriúla Shaorstáit Éireann, i loingeas a bheidh cláruithe lasmuich de Shaorstát Éireann agus i loingeas agus árthaí eile nea-chláruithe;
(h) regleáil agus smacht do chimeád maidir le trátha agus modh oibrithe gléasanna radio-thelegrafaíochta in árthaí aeir le daoine i Saorstát Éireann agus, le linn iad do bheith i Saorstát Éireann no os a chionn no ina chuid uiscí tíriúla no os a gcionn, in árthaí aeir nách le daoine den tsórt san;
(i) chun éifeacht do thabhairt agus chun a chur in áirithe go ngéillfar d'fhorálacha aon chonvensiúin idirnáisiúnta i dtaobh radio-thelegrafaíochta ina mbeidh Rialtas Shaorstáit Éireann páirteach (ach amháin sa mhéid go mbainfidh na forálacha san le loingeas le ná bainfidh an t-alt so ná na rialacháin a déanfar fé).
(2) Le rialacháin a déanfar fén Acht so féadfar a shocrú go mbeidh brise no sárú aon rialacháin áirithe ina chionta a bheidh intrialta ar an slí achmair agus a ordú cadiad na pionóisí a féadfar a chur ar éinne mar gheall ar aon bhrise no sárú den tsórt san ach san i slí ná hordófar amhlaidh ach pionós maximum agus ná hordófar aon phionós minimum agus i slí nách mó aon phionós maximum den tsórt san ná fíneáil deich bpunt agus, ina theanta san, i gcás brise no sárú do bheith leanúnach, fíneáil phúint in aghaidh gach lá a déanfar an brise no an sárú agus, in aon chás, geallbhruide aon deimhniú no gléis gur ina thaobh a dineadh an brise no an sárú.
(3) Gach rialachán a déanfar fén alt so leagfar é fé bhráid gach Tighe den Oireachtas chó luath agus is féidir é tar éis a dhéanta agus má dhineann ceachtar den dá Thigh sin, laistigh den lá is fiche a shuidhfidh ceachtar díobh tar éis leaga an rialacháin fé bhráid na dTithe sin, rún do rith ag cur an rialacháin sin ar nea-mbrí beidh an rialachán san ar nea-mbrí dá réir sin ach beidh san gan dochar do dhleathacht éinní a dineadh roimhe sin fén rialachán san.
(4) Chun crícheanna an ailt seo tuigfar gur le duine i Saorstát Éireann árthach aeir sa chás, agus sa chás san amháin, gur árthach í le duine gur i Saorstát Éireann atá a ghnáth-áit chomhnaithe aige más éinne amháin é no gur i Saorstát Éireann atá a phríomh-oifig aige más comhlachas, cuideachta no cólucht eile (corparáideach no nea-chorparáideach) é.
(5) Ní bhainfidh an t-alt so ná aon rialachán a déanfar fé le haon luing le n-a mbaineann an Merchant Shipping (Wireless Telegraphy) Act, 1919.
Smacht ag an Rialtas ar radio-thelegrafaíocht, etc., le linn strus-ócáidí.
10.—(1) Má sé tuairim na hArd-Chomhairle aon uair strusócáid náisiúnta do bheith tar éis eirithe agus í bheith de shaghas go bhfuil sé oiriúnach ar mhaithe leis an bpuiblíocht smacht iomlán do bheith ag an Ard-Chomhairle ar theachtaireachtaí, comharthaí agus conbharsáidí eile do sheola agus do ghlaca le radio-thelegrafaíocht agus ar stáisiúin chomharthaíochta is féidir a úsáid chun conbharsáid a dhéanamh le loingeas ar muir, féadfidh an Ard-Chomhairle, más oiriúnach leo é, fógra d'fhoillsiú san Iris Oifigiúil á fhaisnéis go bhfuil strus-ócáid den tsórt san tar éis eirithe.
(2) Aon uair le linn aon strus-ócáide den tsórt san roimhráite déanfidh an tAire, le hordú, pé rialacháin is dó leis an Ard-Chomhairle is gá de dheascaibh a mbaineann leis an strus-ócáid sin, sé sin, rialacháin i dtaobh seilbh ar ghléas radio-thelegrafaíochta no ar ghléas chun ráidíocht leictre-mhaighnéidighe do gheiniúint agus do roinnt agus ar stáisiúin chomharthaíochta den tsórt san roimhráite agus ar ghléas le n-úsáid ionta no i dtaobh díol, ceannach, déanamh no úsáid na rudaí sin uile.
(3) Le rialacháin a déanfar fén alt so féadfar a shocrú go mbeidh brise no sárú aon rialacháin áirithe ina chionta a bheidh intrialta ar an slí achmair agus a ordú cadiad na pionóisí a féadfar a chur ar éinne mar gheall ar aon bhrise no sárú den tsórt san ach san i slí ná hordófar amhlaidh ach pionós maximum agus ná hordófar aon phionós minimum agus i slí nách mó aon phionós maximum den tsórt san ná fíneáil chaoga punt no príosúntacht ar feadh téarma leath-bhliana agus, ina theanta san, i gcás an brise no an sárú san do bheith leanúnach, fíneáil chúig púint in aghaidh gach lá a déanfar an brise no an sárú agus, in aon chás, geallbhruide an ghléis no an fheistis eile gur ina thaobh a dineadh an brise no an sárú.
(4) Leanfidh rialacháin a déanfar fén alt so i bhfeidhm an fhaid sin amháin a leanfidh an strus-ócáid gur le n-a linn a déanfar na rialacháin sin, ach amháin go dtuigfar na rialacháin sin do leanúint i bhfeidhm tar éis deire na strus-ócáide sin sa mhéid gur gá san chun go dtrialfar fé sna rialacháin sin daoine 'na mbeidh curtha ina leith gur bhriseadar no gur sháruíodar aon rialachán den tsórt san le linn na strus-ócáide sin agus chun go bpionósfar na daoine sin (má ciontuítear iad) fé sna rialacháin sin agus dá réir.
(5) Chun crícheanna an ailt seo—
(a) mara ndintar í do bhuanú no deire do chur léi níos túisce fén bhfo-alt so, beidh deire le gach strus-ócáid den tsórt san i gceann ráithe ón am a foillseofar san Iris Oifigiúil an fógra a luaidhtear i bhfo-alt (1) den alt so no, má buanuítear an strus-ócáid fén bhfo-alt so, i gceann ráithe ón am a foillseofar san Iris Oifigiúil an fógra is déanaí chun a buanuithe amhlaidh, agus
(b) féadfar deire do chur le haon strus-ócáid den tsórt san aon uair tríd an Ard-Chomhairle d'fhoillsiú fógra san Iris Oifigiúil á fhaisnéis go bhfuil deire leis an strusócáid, agus
(c) féadfar aon strus-ócáid den tsórt san do bhuanú tríd an Ard-Chomhairle d'fhoillsiú fógra san Iris Oifigiúil roimh dheire na strus-ócáide á fhaisnéis go bhfuil an strus-ócáid ann fós.
(6) Gach rialachán a déanfar fén alt so leagfar é fé bhráid gach Tighe den Oireachtas chó luath agus is féidir é tar éis a dhéanta agus má dhineann aon Tigh den Oireachtas, laistigh den lá is fiche a shuidhfidh an Tigh sin tar éis leaga an rialacháin sin fé n-a bhráid, rún do rith ag cur an rialacháin sin ar nea-mbrí beidh an rialachán san ar nea-mbrí dá réir sin ach beidh san gan dochar do dhleathacht éinní a dineadh roimhe sin fén rialachán san.
(7) Ní dhéanfidh an tAire fén alt so gan dul i gcomhairle roimh ré leis an Aire Tionnscail agus Tráchtála aon rialachán a bhainfidh le haon loingeas le n-a mbaineann an Merchant Shipping (Wireless Telegraphy) Act, 1919.
Cosc ar shaghsanna áirithe teachtaireachtaí, etc.
11.—(1) Ní dhéanfidh éinne ná ní thabharfa sé fé—
(a) aon teachtaireacht no conbharsáid de shaghas náireach no draosta no maslathach, ná
(b) aon teachtaireacht no conbharsáid a bheadh díobhálach don ordú phuiblí, ná
(c) aon chomhartha éigeandála bréagach no mí-threorach, ná
(d) aon teachtaireacht, comhartha, no conbharsáid bréagach no mí-threorach, go dtí long no árthach eile no árthach aeir in éigeandáil,
do sheola, tré radio-thelegrafaíocht, o aon áit i Saorstát Éireann ná o aon luing ná árthach eile in uiscí Shaorstáit Éireann, pe'ca laistigh no lasmuich de dhóibh, ná o aon luing a bheidh cláruithe i Saorstát Éireann, pé áit ina mbeidh an long san, ná a aon árthach aeir i Saorstát Éireann no ina chuid uiscí no os cionn an chéanna.
(2) Ní nochtfidh éinne ar shlí nách cóir brí aon teachtaireachta, conbharsáide, no comhartha a seoladh no a bheidh le seola tré radio-thelegrafaíocht.
(3) Gach éinne a dhéanfidh no a thabharfidh fé aon teachtaireacht, conbharsáid, no comhartha do sheola, no a nochtfidh brí a leithéide, contrárdha don alt so, beidh sé ciontach i mí-iompar agus ar a chiontú ann dlighfar príosúntacht i dteanta no d'éamais daor-oibre do chur air ar feadh aon téarma nách sia ná bliain.
(4) Má cuirtar i leith duine, i láthair breithimh den Chúirt Dúithche, gur dhin sé mí-iompar fén alt so agus gurb é tuairim an bhreithimh na nithe do cruthuíodh i gcoinnibh an duine a cúisíodh amhlaidh do bheith ina mion-chionta is intrialta ar an slí achmair agus mara gcuiridh an duine sin (tar éis an breitheamh á fhiarfaí dhe) i gcoinnibh a thrialta amhlaidh féadfidh an breitheamh an cás d'éisteacht agus do bhreithiúnú ar an slí achmair ach ní fhorchuirfe sé aon phionós is mó ná fíneáil ná raghaidh thar dheich bpúint no, más rogha leis é, príosúntacht ar feadh téarma nách sia ná mí, no an fhíneáil sin agus an phríosúntacht san le chéile.
Srian le gléas radio-thelegrafaíochta d'úsáid.
12.—(1) Ní bheidh sé dleathach d'éinne aon ghléas radiothelegrafaíochta d'oibriú ná d'úsáid i slí go ndéanfidh ráidíocht leictre-mhaighnéideach uaidh cur isteach ar oibriú aon ruda acu so a leanas no dochar eile don rud san, eadhon, aon ghléas radio thelegrafaíochta gur deonadh fén Acht so ina thaobh ceadúnas a bheidh i bhfeidhm an uair sin no aon ghléas radio-thelegrafaíochta a bheidh á chiméad suas no á oibriú go dleathach gan aon cheadúnas den tsórt san no aon stáisiún foirleatha a bheidh á chimeád suas fé Chuid II. den Acht so.
(2) Má sé tuairim an Aire go bhfuil duine ag oibriú no ag úsáid aon ghléis radio-thelegrafaíochta contrárdha don alt so féadfa sé fógra do sheirbheáil ar an duine sin no do chur chuige tríd an bpost cláruithe á éileamh ar an duine sin go ndéanfa sé, laistigh d'aimsir a luadhfar sa bhfógra (agus nách giorra ná seacht lá) pé nithe a luadhfar sa bhfógra (agus ar a n-áireofar, más gá é, scur ar fad d'oibriú no d'úsáid an ghléis) chun deire do chur leis an gcur isteach no leis an dochar a bheidh contrárdha don alt so.
(3) Gach éinne a oibreoidh no a úsáidfidh aon ghléas radiothelegrafaíochta contrárdha don alt so agus, tar éis a sheirbheála le fógra fén alt so á éileamh air deire do chur leis an gcur isteach no leis an dochar a bheidh contrárdha don alt so, ná déanfidh laistigh den aimsir a bheidh luaidhte chuige sin sa bhfógra san deire do chur leis an gcur isteach no leis an dochar san sa tslí a bheidh luaidhte sa bhfógra san no ar shlí éigin eile beidh sé ciontach i gcionta fén alt so agus, ar a chiontú ann ar an slí achmair, dlighfar fíneáil ná raghaidh thar dheich bpúint do chur air agus, ina theanta san, i gcás cionta leanúnaigh, fíneáil eile ná raghaidh thar phunt in aghaidh gach lá a leanfidh an cionta.
(4) Ní déanfar, gan toiliú roimh ré ón Aire Tionnscail agus Tráchtála chuige sin, aon fhógra do sheirbheáil fén alt so i dtaobh gléas radio-thelegrafaíochta d'oibriú no d'úsáid contrárdha don alt so i luing le n-a mbaineann an Merchant Shipping (Wireless Telegraphy) Act, 1919.
(5) Ní oibreoidh éinní san alt so chun dochair ná chun difreach d'aon chomhacht ná ceart dá bhfuil dílsithe san Aire fé sna Telegraphy Acts, 1863 to 1921, no dá mbua.
Cúiseamh i gciontaí.
13.—Is ar agra an Aire, agus ní har aon tslí eile, a déanfar gach cúiseamh fén Acht so i gcúirt údaráis achmair.
Ciontaí a déanfar i loingeas no in árthaí aeir.
14.—(1) Chun crícheanna altanna 53 agus 79 den Acht Cúirteanna Breithiúnais, 1924 (Uimh. 10 de 1924) agus alt 6 den Acht Cúirteanna Breithiúnais, 1926 (Uimh. 1 de 1926), más i luing, in árthach, no in árthach aeir a dineadh aon ghníomh atá, de bhua an Achta so no de bhua aon rialacháin a bheidh déanta fén Acht so, ina mhí-iompar no ina chionta is intrialta ar an slí achmair tuigfar gur in aon áit ina mbeidh an duine cúisithe a dineadh é agus, más i luing no in árthach a dineadh é a bhí laistigh d'uiscí tíriúla Shaorstáit Éireann nuair a dineadh é no nuair a gabhadh an duine cúisithe, féadfar a thuisgint gur sa dúthaigh chúirte a dineadh é a bheidh teoranta leis an gcuid sin de sna huiscí sin ina raibh an long san nuair a dineadh an gníomh no nuair a gabhadh an duine cúisithe, pe'ca aca is gá sa chás.
(2) Má dhineann aon chúirt fén Acht so fíneáil do chur ar dhuine is únaer no máistir luinge no árthaigh eile agus gur mar gheall ar chionta a dineadh maidir leis an luing no leis an árthach san a cuirfar an fhíneáil sin air, féadfar (gan dochar d'aon tslí eile a bheidh údaruithe de thurus na huaire do réir dlí) an fhíneáil sin do thógaint tríd an long no an t-árthach san, a tácla, a troscán, agus a fearas do ghabháil agus do dhíol.
Athghairmí agus cimeád seanacheadúnas agus seaníocaíochtaí i bhfeidhm.
15.—(1) Athghairmtear leis seo an Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1904, agus an Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1906.
(2) Gach ceadúnas seilbhe gléis radio-thelegrafaíochta a deonadh fé sna hAchtanna san a hathghairmtear leis seo agus a bhí i bhfeidhm le linn rithte an Achta so, leanfa sé i bhfeidhm d'ainneoin na hathghairme sin an fhaid a leanfadh sé i bhfeidhm fé sna hAchtanna san dá mba ná rithfí an tAcht so, ach chun crícheanna an Achta so tuigfar gur fén Acht so a deonadh gach ceadúnas den tsórt san agus bainfidh an tAcht so le gach ceadúnas den tsórt san dá réir sin.
(3) Aon táille do híocadh leis an Aire roimhe seo ar cheadúnas seilbhe gléis radio-thelegrafaíochta ní bheidh sí ionbhainte dhe ar an scór ná raibh an táille sin inéilithe do réir dlí.
Costaisí.
16.—Sa mhéid go gceadóidh an tAire Airgid é is amach as airgead a sholáthróidh an tOireachtas a híocfar gach costas a bhainfidh leis an gCuid seo den Acht so do chur in éifeacht.
Cuid II.
Foirleatha.
An tAire do chimeád suas stáisiún foirleatha.
17.—(1) Féadfidh an tAire, le cead an Aire Airgid, stáisiúin fhoirleatha d'fháil no do bhunú in áiteanna i Saorstát Éireann, pé cinn agus pé méid acu agus i pé áiteanna is dó leis an Aire o am go ham a bheith ceart agus dá bhfuighfar an cead roimhráite.
(2) Féadfidh an tAire, le cead an Aire Airgid, gach stáisiún foirleatha a gheobhaidh no a bhunóidh sé fén alt so do chimeád suas agus d'oibriú agus pé abhar foirleatha is dó leis is ceart do ghlaca, do chur amach, d'ath-leatha, no do scaipe ann.
Táillí d'éileamh ar son foirleatha.
18.—(1) Féadfidh an tAire, más oiriúnach leis é, táillí d'éileamh ar son aon tsaghas no saghsanna abhair fhoirleatha do scaipe o stáisiún foirleatha a bheidh á chimeád suas fén Acht so.
(2) Isé an tAire a shocróidh, le cead an Aire Airgid, méid na dtáillí a héileofar fén alt so agus déanfar gach táille den tsórt san d'íoc isteach sa Stát-Chiste no do chur chun sochair do ar pé slí a ordóidh an tAire Airgid.
Coiste comhairleach.
19.—(1) Chó luath agus is féidir é tar éis rithte an Achta so bunóidh an tAire, le hordú, coiste comhairleach chun comhairle agus congnamh do thabhairt do maidir le stiúrú na stáisiún foirleatha a bheidh sé á chimeád suas fén Acht so agus le togha amach do dhéanamh agus smacht do chimeád ar an abhar foirleatha a scaipfear o sna stáisiúin foirleatha san.
(2) Beidh an coiste comhairleach san có-dhéanta de pé méid ball (nách lú ná cúigear) is dó leis an Aire Puist agus Telegrafa is ceart agus ainmneoidh an tAire Oideachais duine de sna baill sin, agus ainmneoidh an tAire Tailte agus Talmhaíochta duine acu, agus ainmneoidh an tAire Puist agus Telegrafa an chuid eile.
(3) Mara dtárluíonn do roimhe sin bás d'fháil no eirighe as, beidh gach ball den choiste chomhairleach san ina bhall den choiste go ceann dhá bhlian o dháta a ainmnithe agus ní níos sia ná san ach féadfar é ainmniú arís.
(4) Tiocfidh an coiste comhairleach san le chéile aon uair a ghairmfidh an tAire le chéile iad agus fós ar pé ócáidí eile a shocróidh an coiste o am go ham.
Costaisí.
20.—Sa mhéid go gceadóidh an tAire Airgid é is amach as airgead a sholáthróidh an tOireachtas a híocfar gach costas a bhainfidh leis an gCuid seo den Acht so do chur in éifeacht.
Number 45 of 1926.
WIRELESS TELEGRAPHY ACT, 1926.
ARRANGEMENT OF SECTIONS
Preliminary.
Section | |
Part I.
Wireless Telegraphy and Signalling.
Restrictions on possession of wireless telegraphy apparatus. | |
Regulations as to wireless telegraphy in ships and aircraft. | |
Government control of wireless telegraphy, etc., in emergencies. | |
Part II.
Broadcasting.
Acts Referred to | |
No. 10 of 1924 | |
No. 1 of 1926 | |
Number 45 of 1926.
WIRELESS TELEGRAPHY ACT, 1926.
Preliminary.
Short title.
1.—This Act may be cited as the Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1926.
Definitions.
2.—In this Act—
the expression “the Minister” means the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs;
the expression “wireless telegraphy” means and includes any system of communicating messages, spoken words, music, images, pictures, prints, or other communications, sounds, signs, or signals by means of radiated electro-magnetic waves originating in an apparatus or device constructed for the purpose of originating such communications, sounds, signs, or signals;
the expression “apparatus for wireless telegraphy” means apparatus for sending and receiving or for sending only or for receiving only messages, spoken words, music, images, pictures, prints, or other communications, sounds, signs, or signals by wireless telegraphy and includes any part of such apparatus and any article primarily designed for use as part of such apparatus and not capable of being conveniently used for any other purpose;
the word “broadcast” means the transmitting, relaying, or distributing by wireless telegraphy of broadcast matter;
the expression “broadcasting station” means a building or other place fitted and equipped for broadcasting;
the expression “broadcast matter” means and includes any lectures, speeches, news, reports, advertisements, recitations, dramatic entertainments, and other spoken words and any music (whether vocal or instrumental) and other sounds approved by the Minister as suitable for being broadcasted from a broadcasting station maintained under this Act;
the expression “signalling station” means any fixed or not easily movable apparatus for signalling by means of visible signals or for signalling by means of audible signals.
Part I.
Wireless Telegraphy and Signalling.
Restrictions on possession of wireless telegraphy apparatus.
3.—(1) Subject to the exceptions hereinafter mentioned, no person shall keep or have in his possession anywhere in Saorstát Eireann or in any ship or aircraft to which this section applies any apparatus for wireless telegraphy save in so far as such keeping or possession is authorised by a licence granted under this Act and for the time being in force.
(2) No person having possession of apparatus for wireless telegraphy under a licence granted under this Act shall work or use such apparatus otherwise than in accordance with the terms and conditions subject to which such licence is by virtue of this Act deemed to have been granted.
(3) Every person who keeps, has in his possession, works, or uses any apparatus for wireless telegraphy 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 ten pounds, together with, in the case of a continuing offence, a further fine not exceeding one pound for every day during which the offence continues and also, in every case, forfeiture of all the apparatus in respect of which the offence was committed.
(4) Apparatus for wireless telegraphy affixed to a ship to which this section applies or kept in any such ship for the use or general purposes of the ship in contravention of this section shall, for the purposes of a prosecution under this section, be deemed to be kept by and in the possession of the master of such ship and also to be kept by and in the possession of the owner of such ship.
(5) Subject to the exceptions hereinafter mentioned this section applies to—
(a) every ship registered in Saorstát Eireann, and
(b) every unregistered ship or other vessel which is usually kept in or which frequents the waters (whether inland or territorial) of Saorstát Eireann, and
(c) every ship or vessel not coming within either of the foregoing paragraphs which is for the time being in the waters (whether inland or territorial) of Saorstát Eireann and in respect of which no licence then in force for the possession or working of apparatus for wireless telegraphy has been granted in any other country or state, and
(d) every aircraft owned by a person who, in the case of an individual, has his usual place of residence in Saorstát Eireann or, in the case of an association, company, or other body (whether corporate or incorporate), has its principal office in Saorstát Eireann, and
(e) every aircraft not coming within the foregoing paragraph which is for the time being in or over Saorstát Eireann or the waters thereof and in respect of which no licence then in force for the possession or working of apparatus for wireless telegraphy has been granted in any other country or state.
(6) This section shall not apply to any apparatus for wireless telegraphy kept by or in the possession of the Minister for Defence for the purposes of the Defence Forces, nor to any ship of war belonging to the Government of Saorstát Eireann or any other country or state.
(7) For the purposes of this section the expression “unregistered ship or other vessel” means a ship or other vessel which is not registered under the laws for the time being in force in relation to the registration of ships in Saorstát Eireann or any other country or state.
Restrictions on maintenance of signalling stations.
4.—(1) No person shall maintain a signalling station which is intended to be used or is capable of being used for the purpose of communication with ships at sea save in so far as such maintenance is authorised by a licence granted under this Act and for the time being in force.
(2) No person shall work or use any such signalling station as aforesaid the maintenance of which is not authorised by a licence granted under this Act and for the time being in force nor shall any person work or use any such signalling station in any manner contrary to the licence granted under this Act in respect thereof.
(3) Every person who maintains, works, or uses any such signalling station as aforesaid 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 ten pounds together with, in the case of a continuing offence, a further fine not exceeding one pound for every day during which the offence continues.
(4) Nothing in this section shall apply to any signalling station maintained under Lloyd's Signal Station Act, 1888 or maintained by or under the control of the Minister for Industry and Commerce or the Commissioners of Irish Lights or any person having by law authority over local lighthouses, buoys, and beacons.
Grant of licences.
5.—(1) The Minister may, subject to the provisions of this Act and on payment of the prescribed fee (if any) grant to any person a licence to keep and have possession of apparatus for wireless telegraphy in any specified place in Saorstát Eireann or to keep and have possession of apparatus for wireless telegraphy in any specified ship or other vessel or aircraft or to maintain a signalling station at any place in Saorstát Eireann.
(2) Every licence granted under this Act shall be in such form, continue in force for such period, and be subject to such conditions and restrictions (including conditions as to suspension and revocation) as shall be prescribed in regard thereto by regulations made by the Minister under this Act.
Regulations in regard to licences.
6.—(1) The Minister may by order make regulations prescribing in relation to all licences granted under this Act or any particular class or classes of such licences all or any of the matters following, that is to say:—
(a) the form of such licences,
(b) the period during which such licences continue in force,
(c) the manner in which, the terms on which, and the period or periods for which such licences may be renewed,
(d) the circumstances and manner in which such licences may be suspended or revoked by the Minister,
(e) the terms and conditions to be observed by the holders of such licences and subject to which such licences are deemed to be granted,
(f) the fees to be paid on the grant or renewal of such licences and the time and manner at and in which such fees are to be paid,
(g) any other matter relating to such licences in respect of which it shall appear to the Minister to be necessary or desirable to make provision by regulations made under this section.
(2) Regulations made under this section may authorise and provide for the granting of a licence under this Act subject to special terms, conditions, and restrictions to any person who satisfies the Minister that he requires the licence solely for the purpose of conducting experiments in wireless telegraphy.
(3) No regulation shall be made under this section in relation to fees without the previous consent of the Minister for Finance.
(4) Every regulation made under this section shall be laid before each House of the Oireachtas as soon as may be after it is made and if either such House shall, within twenty-one days on which either such House has sat next after the regulation was laid before such Houses, pass a resolution annulling such regulation, such regulation shall be annulled accordingly but without prejudice to the validity of anything previously done under such regulation.
Obligation to furnish certain information.
7.—(1) The Minister may, if and whenever he thinks proper so to do, cause a special notice in writing (accompanied by or having annexed thereto a form of declaration) to be served by registered post on any person requiring such person within fourteen days after the service of the notice on him to state on the said form of declaration such one or more of the matters hereinafter mentioned as shall be specified in the notice and to sign and otherwise complete such declaration and to give the same or send the same by post to a specified officer of the Minister.
(2) The matters which a person may be required under this section to state in a declaration are—
(a) whether he does or does not keep or has or has not in his possession any apparatus for wireless telegraphy,
(b) if he keeps or has in his possession any such apparatus, the nature of such apparatus and the place at which he keeps or has the same.
(c) whether he has or has not a licence granted under this Act and then in force,
(d) if he has such a licence, the number, date, and office of issue of such licence,
(e) any other matter relating to wireless telegraphy,
(3) Every person on whom a special notice is duly served under this section shall within the time aforesaid duly and correctly complete in accordance with such notice and this section the form of declaration accompanying or annexed to such notice and give or send such declaration to the officer named in that behalf in such notice, and if any such person shall fail or neglect so to complete and give or send such declaration or shall make in such declaration any statement which is to his knowledge false or misleading he shall be guilty of an offence under this section and shall be liable on summary conviction thereof to a penalty not exceeding five pounds.
Issue of search warrants.
8.—(1) A Justice of the District Court may, upon the information on oath of an officer of the Minister or of a member of the Gárda Síochána that there is reasonable ground for believing that apparatus for wireless telegraphy is being kept or is being worked or used at any specified place or in any specified ship in contravention of any provision of this Act or any regulation made or condition imposed under this Act, grant to such officer of the Minister or (with the consent of the Minister) to such member of the Gárda Síochána (as the case may be) a search warrant which shall be expressed and shall operate to authorise the officer of the Minister or member of the Gárda Síochána to whom the same is granted to enter, and if need be by force, the place or ship named in the said information and there to search for apparatus for wireless telegraphy and to examine all such apparatus there found and to seize and take away all or any part of such apparatus which appears to such officer or member to be kept, worked or used in contravention of any provision of this Act or any regulation made or condition imposed under this Act.
(2) A search warrant granted under this section to an officer of the Minister may authorise or, if the Justice granting the same so thinks proper, require such officer to be accompanied by one or more members of the Gárda Síochána when making the search under the warrant.
Regulations as to wireless telegraphy in ships and aircraft.
9.—(1) The Minister may by order made after consultation with the Minister for Industry and Commerce make regulations in respect of all or any of the following matters, that is to say:—
(a) requiring operators and other persons engaged in the working of apparatus for wireless telegraphy on all or any classes or class of ships registered in Saorstát Eireann to hold certificates of competency;
(b) requiring operators and other persons engaged in the working of apparatus for wireless telegraphy on all or any classes or class of aircraft owned in Saorstát Eireann to hold certificates of competency;
(c) the grant and renewal of such certificates of competency, the terms and conditions on which such certificates will be granted, and the qualifications to be possessed and the examinations and other tests to be undergone by persons to whom such certificates are granted;
(d) the duration, revocation and suspension of certificates of competency granted under the regulations;
(e) the validity, duration, renewal, revocation, and suspension of certificates of competency granted otherwise than under the regulations whether by the Minister or any other person and whether before or after the passing of this Act;
(f) subject to the sanction of the Minister for Finance, the fees to be charged for or in connection with the granting and renewal of any such certificates of competence as aforesaid and the collection and disposal of such fees;
(g) regulating and controlling the times and manner of working apparatus for wireless telegraphy in ships registered in Saorstát Eireann and, while they are in the territorial waters of Saorstát Eireann, ships registered outside Saorstát Eireann and unregistered ships and other vessels;
(h) regulating and controlling the times and manner of working apparatus for wireless telegraphy in aircraft owned in Saorstát Eireann and, while they are in or over Saorstát Eireann or the territorial waters thereof, aircraft not so owned;
(i) giving effect to and securing compliance with the provisions (save in so far as the same relate to ships to which this section and regulations made thereunder do not apply) of any international convention in relation to wireless telegraphy entered into by the Government of Saorstát Eireann.
(2) Regulations made under this Act may provide that a breach or contravention of any specified regulation shall be an offence triable summarily, and may prescribe the punishments which may be inflicted for any such breach or contravention but so that a maximum punishment only and no minimum punishment shall be so prescribed and that no such maximum punishment shall exceed a fine of ten pounds together with, in the case of a continuing breach or contravention, a fine of one pound for every day during which the breach or contravention is committed and, in any case, forfeiture of any certificate or apparatus in relation to which the breach or contravention is committed.
(3) Every regulation made under this section shall be laid before each House of the Oireachtas as soon as may be after it is made and if either such House shall, within twenty-one days on which either such House has sat next after the regulation was laid before such Houses, pass a resolution annulling such regulation such regulation shall be annulled accordingly but without prejudice to the validity of anything previously done under such regulation.
(4) For the purposes of this section an aircraft shall be deemed to be owned in Saorstát Eireann if but only if it is owned by a person who, in the case of an individual, has his usual place of residence in Saorstát Eirreann or, in the case of an association, company, or other body (whether corporate or unincorporate), has its principal office in Saorstát Eireann.
(5) Neither this section nor any regulation made thereunder shall apply to any ship to which the Merchant Shipping (Wireless Telegraphy) Act, 1919 applies.
Government control of wireless telegraphy, etc., in emergencies.
10.—(1) If at any time the Executive Council is of opinion that a national emergency has arisen of such character that it is expedient in the public interest that the Executive Council should have full control over the sending and receiving of messages, signals, and other communications by means of wireless telegraphy and of signalling stations capable of being used for communicating with ships at sea, the Executive Council may, if they so think fit, publish in the Iris Oifigiúil a notice declaring that such emergency has arisen.
(2) At any time during the continuance of any such emergency as aforesaid the Minister shall by order make such regulations as appear to the Executive Council to be necessary in the circumstances of such emergency with respect to the possession, sale, purchase, construction or use of apparatus for wireless telegraphy or for the generation and distribution of electro-magnetic radiation and of such signalling stations as aforesaid and apparatus for use therein.
(3) Regulations made under this section may provide that a breach or contravention of any specified regulation shall be an offence triable summarily and may prescribe the punishments which may be inflicted for any such breach or contravention but so that a maximum punishment only and no minimum punishment shall be so prescribed and that no such maximum punishment shall exceed a fine of fifty pounds or imprisonment for a term of six months together with, in the case of a continuing breach or contravention, a fine of five pounds for every day during which such breach or contravention is committed and, in any case, forfeiture of the apparatus or other article in respect of which the breach or contravention is committed.
(4) Regulations made under this section shall continue in force for so long only as the emergency during which they are made continues, save that such regulations shall be deemed to continue in force after the termination of such emergency so far as may be necessary for the trial under such regulations of persons accused of having committed during such emergency a breach or contravention of any such regulation and the punishment of such persons (if convicted) under and in accordance with such regulations.
(5) For the purposes of this section—
(a) every such emergency shall, unless continued or sooner terminated under this sub-section, terminate at the expiration of three months from the publication in the Iris Oifigiúil of the notice mentioned in sub-section (1) of this section or, when the emergency has been continued under this sub-section, at the expiration of three months from the publication in the Iris Oiftgiúil of the last notice of such continuance, and
(b) any such emergency may be terminated at any time by the publication by the Executive Council in the Iris Oifigiúil of a notice declaring that the emergency has terminated, and
(c) any such emergency may be continued by the publication by the Executive Council in the Iris Oifigiúil before the termination of the emergency of a notice declaring that the emergency still continues.
(6) Every regulation made under this section shall be laid before each House of the Oireachtas as soon as may be after it is made and if either such House shall, within twenty-one days on which that House has sat next after the regulation was laid before it, pass a resolution annulling such regulation such regulation shall be annulled accordingly but without prejudice to the validity of anything previously done under such regulation.
(7) No regulation which applies or relates to any ships to which the Merchant Shipping (Wireless Telegraphy) Act, 1919 applies shall be made by the Minister under this section without previous consultation with the Minister for Industry and Commerce.
Prohibition of certain classes of messages, etc.
11.—(1) No person shall send or attempt to send by wireless telegraphy from any place in Saorstát Eireann or any ship or other vessel in the inland or the territorial waters of Saorstát Eireann or any ship registered in Saorstát Eireann wherever such ship may be or any aircraft in or over Saorstát Eireann or the territorial waters thereof—
(a) any message or communication of an indecent, obscene, or offensive character, nor
(b) any message or communication subversive of public order, nor
(c) any false or misleading signal of distress, nor
(d) any false or misleading message, signal, or communication to a ship or other vessel or an aircraft in distress.
(2) No person shall improperly divulge the purport of any message, communication, or signal sent or proposed to be sent by wireless telegraphy.
(3) Every person who sends or attempts to send or divulges the purport of any message, communication, or signal in contravention of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanour and shall be liable on conviction thereof to imprisonment with or without hard labour for any term not exceeding twelve months.
(4) Whenever a person is charged before a justice of the District Court with having committed a misdemeanour under this section and the justice is of opinion that the facts proved against the person so charged constitute a minor offence fit to be tried summarily and the said person (inquiry having been made of him by the justice) does not object to be so tried, the justice may hear and determine the case summarily but shall not impose any greater penalty than a fine not exceeding ten pounds or, at his discretion, imprisonment for a term not exceeding one month, or both such fine and such imprisonment.
Restrictions on user of apparatus for wireless telegraphy.
12.—(1) It shall not be lawful for any person so to work or use any apparatus for wireless telegraphy that electro-magnetic radiation therefrom interferes with the working of or otherwise injuriously affects any apparatus for wireless telegraphy in respect of which a licence has been granted under this Act and is in force or any apparatus for wireless telegraphy lawfully maintained or worked without any such licence or any broadcasting station maintained under Part II. of this Act.
(2) Whenever the Minister is of opinion that a person is working or using any apparatus for wireless telegraphy in contravention of this section he may serve on or send by registered post to such person a notice requiring such person within a time (not being less than seven days) specified in the notice to take such steps (including where necessary the complete stoppage of the working or user of the apparatus) as shall be specified in the notice to terminate the interference or injurious affection which contravenes this section.
(3) Every person who works or uses any apparatus for wireless telegraphy in contravention of this section and, having been served with a notice under this section requiring him to terminate the interference or injurious affection which contravenes this section, does not within the time specified in that behalf in such notice terminate by the means specified in such notice or by some other means such interference or injurious affection shall be guilty of an offence under this section and shall be liable on summary conviction thereof to a fine not exceeding ten pounds together with, in the case of a continuing offence, a further fine not exceeding one pound for every day during which the offence continues.
(4) No notice shall be served under this section in respect of the working or using of apparatus for wireless telegraphy in contravention of this section in a ship to which the Merchant Shipping (Wireless Telegraphy) Act, 1919 applies without the previous consent of the Minister for Industry and Commerce.
(5) Nothing in this section shall operate to prejudice or affect any power or right vested in the Minister under or by virtue of the Telegraphy Acts, 1863 to 1921.
Prosecution of offences.
13.—All prosecutions under this Act in a court of summary jurisdiction shall be prosecuted at the suit of the Minister and not otherwise.
Offences committed in ships or aircraft.
14.—(1) For the purposes of sections 53 and 79 of the Courts of Justice Act, 1924 (No. 10 of 1924) and section 6 of the Courts of Justice Act, 1926 (No. 1 of 1926) any act which is by virtue of this Act or any regulation made thereunder a misdemeanour or an offence triable summarily shall, if committed in a ship, vessel, or aircraft, be deemed to have been committed in any place in which the accused person may be, and, if committed in a ship or vessel which was within the territorial waters of Saorstát Eireann when the act was committed or when the accused person was arrested, may be deemed to have been committed in the court district abutting on that portion of the said waters in which such ship was when the act was committed or the accused person was arrested, as the case may require.
(2) Whenever a fine is imposed under this Act by any court on a person who is the owner or the master of a ship or other vessel and such fine is imposed for an offence committed in respect of such ship or vessel, such fine may (without prejudice to any other method for the time being authorised by law) be levied by distress and sale of such ship or vessel, her tackle, furniture, and apparel.
Repeals and preservation of existing licences and payments.
15.—(1) The Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1904 and the Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1906 are hereby repealed.
(2) All licences for the possession of apparatus for wireless telegraphy which were granted under the said Acts hereby repealed and were in force at the passing of this Act shall, notwithstanding such repeal, continue in force for such time as they would have continued in force under the said Acts if this Act had not been passed, but all such licences shall for the purposes of this Act be deemed to have been granted under this Act and this Act shall apply to all such licences accordingly.
(3) No fee heretofore paid to the Minister in respect of a licence for the possession of apparatus for wireless telegraphy shall be recoverable on the ground that such fee was not legally chargeable.
Expenses.
16.—All expenses of carrying this Part of 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 by the Oireachtas.
Part II.
Broadcasting.
Maintenance of broadcasting stations by the Minister.
17.—(1) The Minister may, with the sanction of the Minister for Finance, acquire or establish such and so many broadcasting stations in such places in Saorstát Eireann as the Minister shall, with the sanction aforesaid, from time to time think proper.
(2) The Minister may, with the sanction of the Minister for Finance, maintain and work all broadcasting stations acquired or established by him under this section and there receive, transmit, relay, or distribute such broadcast matter as he shall think proper.
Charging of fees for broadcasting.
18.—(1) The Minister may, if he so thinks fit, charge fees for the distribution from a broadcasting station maintained under this Act of any class or classes of broadcast matter.
(2) The amount of the fees to be charged under this section shall be fixed by the Minister with the sanction of the Minister for Finance and all such fees shall be paid into or disposed for the benefit of the Exchequer in such manner as the Minister for Finance shall direct.
Advisory committee.
19.—(1) As soon as may be after the passing of this Act the Minister shall establish by order an advisory committee to advise and assist him in the conduct of the broadcasting stations maintained by him under this Act and the selection and control of the broadcast matter distributed from such broadcasting stations.
(2) The said advisory committee shall consist of so many (not being less than five) members as the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs shall think proper and of such members one shall be nominated by the Minister for Education, and one shall be nominated by the Minister for Lands and Agriculture, and the remainder shall be nominated by the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs.
(3) Each member of the said advisory committee shall, unless he previously dies or resigns, retain his membership of the committee for two years from the date of his nomination and no longer but shall be eligible for re-nomination.
(4) The said advisory committee shall meet whenever summoned by the Minister and also on such other occasions as the committee may from time to time determine.
Expenses.
20.—All expenses of carrying this Part of 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 by the Oireachtas.