Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 18 May 1993

Vol. 430 No. 8

Written Answers. - Casual Trading.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

66 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment if his attention has been drawn to the considerable problems which have been caused in many towns and to many communities throughout the country because of the activities of travelling traders descending in large numbers on such towns and communities; and the proposals, if any, he has to regulate the situation.

Minister of Enterprise and Employment (Mr. Quinn)

The Casual Trading Act, 1980, provides a framework for local authorities to regulate such trading, whether carried out by travelling traders or others. It is the Garda Síochána who, in the main, enforce the Act.

I wish to make clear that the Casual Trading Act is not intended to deal with problems such as unauthorised parking of cars and vans which I assume the Deputy is referring to in his question. Regarding matters falling within the scope of the Act, I am considering proposals to facilitate more efficient operation and enforcement of the Act prior to seeking Government approval for the measures involved.