asked the Minister for Justice the number of occasions during the past five years on which the presence of members of the Garda Síochána was necessary where tenants were being evicted for non-payment of rent.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Garda Presence at Evictions.
30.
The information would have to be specially compiled from records kept at local level and I do not consider that its value would justify the expenditure of Garda time that would be necessary to assemble it.
It is part of the ordinary duty of the Garda to accede to a request by a sheriff or under-sheriff for protection while a court order is being executed.
Can the Minister state if the Forcible Entry Act was invoked in connection with breaking into the property at Cromcastle Court?
I am not prepared to answer any question which would relate to matters that are sub judice. I understand that there are charges against a number of people in relation to the incident referred to.
When the Forcible Entry Bill was going through the Dáil, did the Minister not state that the only time it would be invoked would be where there were squatters involved? Did he not state it would not be invoked against tenants for non-payment of rent?
I am not aware that the tenants have been prosecuted under the Act.
Would the Minister say under what Act are the proceedings being taken?
As I have already said, I do not think it is proper that the matter should be discussed now.
The Minister said that proceedings are pending. I am only asking him under what Act are they being taken.
I understand there are prosecutions for assault on the gardaí and that there is some offence under the Enforcement of Court Orders Acts of impeding a sheriff or under-sheriff or those assisting him. I understand there are some prosecutions with regard to this.