(Dublin Central) asked the Minister for Local Government if he has received a request from Dublin Corporation to legalise and facilitate stall trading in Thomas Street, Dublin.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Stall Trading.
29.
I have not received such a request but in the context I have had an inquiry from Dublin Corporation as to the requirements for amendment of the Dublin Corporation (Markets, et cetera) Act, 1901, which is a Local Act. This request is being examined and I hope to have a reply issued to the corporation shortly.
(Dublin Central): Could the Minister indicate how soon this reply will be given to Dublin Corporation?
Pretty soon, I hope. The Deputy must be aware that the matter was raised by way of letter on 5th January, 1977. They asked me if I would let them know what will be required in order to have the Act amended so as to permit stall trading in Thomas Street. It is not as simple as that, because it involves an amendment to an Act and also an amendment to regulations under another Act. There is no point in giving a reply which may not cover the full point. Under the 1901 Local Act it was done consequent on an arrangement entered into by the then Baron Iveagh with the corporation. The corporation tenants are there. It was done to prevent trading on the streets. If the matter is to be legally correct the advice must be legally correct. It is almost ready. There are one or two matters which have still to be cleared up. I would say within the next fortnight or three weeks we should be able to notify Dublin Corporation as to what they will be required to do. The matter will be over to them then to decide.
(Dublin Central): I am asking about this because a court case is proceeding at the moment about it. It is of vital importance to the stall traders in Thomas Street. Could the Minister give any indication as to how long it will take him to get this legislation into the House?
If there is a court case at present I feel it should not be discussed here at all.
(Dublin Central): It is adjourned pending a decision from Dublin Corporation.
I assume Dublin Corporation will not re-enter the case until such time as they get a decision, so there is no reason for the stall holders to be worried. A local inquiry may be necessary before it is finalised. Even if Dublin Corporation have it back within a fortnight or three weeks it cannot be finalised within days. It could take quite a considerable time.
(Dublin Central): Some of these traders have traded in the area for over 50 years. They are stall traders. There is no objection in the district as far as I know. The corporation have no objection to its being legalised now. That is why they applied to the Minister to find out what the procedure is. I am sure the Minister will have no objection to legalising it if he gets a proper request from Dublin Corporation with local inquiries also taking place.
A question, please. The Deputy is making a speech.
When Dublin Corporaation get the advice and act on it the matter will be dealt with fairly quickly as far as I am concerned. It is a matter for Dublin Corporation to decide what they will do after that.
Question No. 30 postponed.