asked the Minister for Justice why the Garda have been refusing the requests of Dublin Corporation and of individual citizens that they take action against squatters.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Squatters.
32.
I assume that the Deputy is referring to the Prohibition of Forcible Entry and Occupation Act, 1971.
The Garda Síochána are satisfied —and, I may say, so am I—that the Act is not in fact so designed that it could usefully be called in aid in the present situation, though I am of course speaking in general terms and no doubt individual cases could arise where the question of applying the Act would have to be considered by the Garda Síochána.
I may add that, with the Attorney General and the Director of Public Prosecutions, I very recently met a deputation from the Dublin Corporation and had a full discussion with them as a result of which I believe they now appreciate more fully the legal problems that arise. The discussion, however, also covered some additional measures that might be taken and, in so far as these concern arrangements for court hearings and other matters affecting my Department, they are being pursued as arranged with the deputation.