asked the Taoiseach if, in view of the extensive and multiplying problem of roadside living especially in the Clondalkin and Blanchardstown areas of Dublin and of the recent Supreme Court observations, he will appoint a Minister with special responsibility for itinerants as a matter of urgency.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Itinerant Problem.
3.
No change in existing arrangements is at present envisaged.
Is the Taoiseach aware of the acute problem now existing in County Dublin especially in the two areas mentioned? Is he aware of the grave health hazard that people in the area are open to and the grave risk to children living along the side of the road? In the circumstances and in view of the Supreme Court decision does he either (a) intend to appoint a Minister to tackle the problem as a matter of urgency or (b) intend to introduce legislation to overcome the problems arising from the Supreme Court decision?
I accept that there is a problem in suburban areas on the perimeter of the city generally but, the Deputy knows, this problem has been with us for some considerable time and there is no easy solution to it. The Minister for the Environment, who has primary responsibility in this area, has undertaken a review of all our policies and programmes in this area.
Would the Taoiseach impart to the House any sense of urgency in this matter? Is he aware that there is danger, for instance, of an outbreak of fever in the area if something is not done quickly about this problem? Further, is he aware that the problem has taken on a new dimension in the sheer number of itinerants gathered at one spot in Clondalkin and one spot in Blanchardstown and that effectively shanty towns have developed on the perimeter of the city, to the great consternation of caring people, caring for the safety of itinerant children and for the health of itinerant children and of their own children? Would he, therefore, agree that this has now reached the stage where something must be done as a matter of urgency to help reduce the problem and to solve it in order to help the itinerants concerned?
As the Deputy knows, a great deal has been done by concerned people, the local authority and the Department of the Environment. However, the details of this matter are something which the Deputy should address directly to the Minister for the Environment. His question to me concerns merely the appointment of a Minister.
A final supplementary.
I can only express my regret that the Taoiseach appears not to be aware of the urgent problem that exists in County Dublin. Will he consider, in the course of even the coming general election campaign, visiting the itinerants to see what the problem is out in Blanchardstown and Clondalkin?
I do not have to visit any particular area to gain a knowledge of the extent of the problem. It is a problem which exists from time to time in my own area. I think the Deputy would acknowledge that a great deal has been done to deal with this problem, but the implementation of the policies and programmes is more a matter for the Minister for the Environment and for the local authority than for me.
In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the Taoiseach's reply I wish to give notice that I seek to raise this terribly urgent, important matter on the Adjournment this evening.
I will communicate with the Deputy.