asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware of continuous damage by itinerants to property at Harelawn, Palmerstown, County Dublin; and if he will take action to prevent this damage to property.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Damage by Itinerants.
56.
I have been informed that a large group of itinerants is encamped on private property adjacent to the land in question and that damage to fences is caused by persons letting horses into the land. The Gardaí are giving as much attention as is possible to the situation with a view to taking prosecutions for malicious damage to the fences, but the damage is done at night and it is extremely difficult for the Gardaí to get evidence that would stand up in court against any particular individual.
The occupiers of land in the locality have been impounding horses found trespassing and in the past two months a total of almost 80 horses have been so impounded. The Gardaí believe that the cost involved for the owners of the horses is having a salutary effect.
I think the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries is concentrating too much on his singing with Dickie Rock. I heard he was excellent the other night at the Airport.
I usually am.