asked the Minister for the Environment the present position regarding casual trading under the Casual Trading Act, 1980, particularly in regard to section 5 of this Act; the present position in urban council areas where the council carry out the procedure for extinguishing existing market rights in a proper and legal manner and, having done so, are unable to proceed further because of disputes over by-laws and also because of the rights of a casual trading licence holder to obtain a permit and being therefore authorised, irrespective of the size of the site, to conduct business in the designated area; and if he has any plans to amend this Act which is causing such difficulties in many towns around the country and which is unworkable in many instances.
Written Answers. - Casual Trading.
173.
General responsibility for the Casual Trading Act, 1980 rests with the Minister for Industry and Commerce. The Minister for the Environment has certain functions under the Act, primarily in relation to the acquisition or extinguishment of market rights and, if the Deputy has specific questions in relation to these or other functions exerciseable by me, I will endeavour to provide the information required.