asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware that slogans daubed on walls throughout the country offering insults to British tourists are having detrimental effect on the Irish tourist industry; and what steps he is taking to deal with this problem.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Defacement of Property.
144.
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 131 of 18th May, 1972, concerning the defacement of public and private property during the referendum campaign. I take this opportunity to again deplore any defacement of public and private property by the daubing of slogans and I am sure that all Deputies are unanimous in their condemnation of such activity, more especially of any daubing of slogans of the type referred to by the Deputy.
Can the Parliamentary Secretary say what steps are being taken to deal with the problem? We all deplore the sight of these slogans all over the country and action is required by other than private persons to deal with them.
Under the planning Act the responsibility rests with the local authorities I am aware that a number of local authorities take steps to remove daubings.
Perhaps the Parliamentary Secretary will arrange to have a circular sent to local authorities reminding them of their responsibility.
Yes, I will consider that.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that despite the efforts to attract tourists to his counry there are slogans to be seen in Connemara such as "British pigs get out" and that these are not being removed?
I am aware that daubing has taken place in many areas.
Can nothing be done to have these slogans removed? We are supposed to be a friendly people but such slogans as the one I have mentioned are no way of welcoming tourists.
Deputy Cooney's suggestion will be investigated.