asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce the plans, if any, he has to amend the Casual Trading Act, 1980; whether it has so far proven to be effective in controlling casual trading; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Casual Trading Control.
25.
Under the Casual Trading Act, 1980 licences to trade are granted by the Minister for Industry and Commerce. However, the designation of casual trading areas and the granting of permits to trade within these areas are matters for each local authority in respect of their functional area. In addition a local authority may attach such conditions as they deem appropriate to any permit granted.
Any Act of this type must represent a balance between different interests — permanent traders, casual traders and consumers. In general, such problems as have arisen in relation to casual trading since the Act was enacted relate to conflicts between different interests involved in particular areas rather than to any inadequacy in the statutory framework. Legislation cannot provide solutions to all potential problems; it can only provide a framework in which local problems can be dealt with in an orderly way. I believe that the present Act provides such a framework and I have at present no plans to amend it.