Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 14 Nov 1996

Vol. 471 No. 6

Written Answers. - Street Traders.

Tony Gregory

Question:

131 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Justice if street traders have been strip-searched in Store Street Garda station during 1996; if so, the reason therefor; the procedures involved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21483/96]

Minister for Justice (Mrs. Owen)

I am informed by the Garda authorities that their inquiries into the arrest and detention of all persons in respect of casual trading offences during 1996, discloses no information to suggest that any such persons were strip searched.

Tony Gregory

Question:

132 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Justice if receipts are offered or given to street traders by gardaí at the time when goods are confiscated. [21484/96]

Minister for Justice (Mrs. Owen)

I am informed by the Garda authorities that it is standard practice to issue receipts for all property seized under the provisions of the Casual Trading Act, 1995.

A similar procedure applies to the seizure of cigarettes/tobacco under the Customs Consolidation Act, 1876 and Customs and Excise (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1988.

In some instances where cigarettes/tobacco have been seized, the persons from whom the seizures were made refused to provide gardaí with their names and addresses. Receipts are not issued in these cases and Garda records indicate that the property was seized from persons whose identiy is not confirmed.