asked the Minister for Justice if he will consider instructing the Garda Síochána to take action against groups known as hippies who are illegally occupying premises in Dublin and inducing, or at least allowing, boys and girls to live there in vagrant fashion.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Illegal Occupation of Dublin Premises.
55.
As I indicated in reply to a Parliamentary question on 19th May, the Garda Síochána do not investigate a complaint in relation to squatting unless the complaint discloses a criminal offence. Evidence that would justify Garda intervention has not been disclosed in the case to which I assume the Deputy is referring.
Surely the Garda have a right to remove the youngsters living in these premises in rather suspect conditions?
The Deputy is making a statement?
No, I am merely asking the Minister a question. Does he think it proper that the Garda will not prosecute people for defacing property whereas a person who puts up an election poster on the same place would probably be made to take it down again?
The evidence available does not justify Garda intervention on the basis that it does not disclose a criminal offence.
(Cavan): Surely it is a criminal offence for people to enter into private property and take possession of it without the authority of the owners and continue to sit there without the permission of the owners?
I do not wish to get into a detailed discussion of the law on the subject but, if the position were as simple as stated by the Deputy, it would not be a criminal offence. There are further factors required to make it a criminal offence.
(Cavan): Is it not the bald fact that the Garda authorities, with the approval of the Government, are turning a blind eye——
This is a separate question. I am calling Question No. 56.
(Cavan):—— to what are, in effect, criminal activities on the part of people who go in and take over possession of buildings against the wishes of the owners?
That is not the fact. In fact, efforts are being made to strengthen the legal position in this regard at the moment.
(Cavan): It should be done immediately if the law is as weak as the Minister says it is.