Vol. 514 No. 1
53 Mr. Flanagan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she has examined the case being made by the Irish Organisation of Market and Street Traders concerning the difficulties its members are encountering as traders due to the need to amend the Casual Trading Act, 1995; if she will discuss this issue with the relevant Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3485/00]
The Casual Trading Act, 1995, has as its main purpose the delegation of all operational functions in relation to casual trading to local authorities.
The Irish Organisation of Market and Street Traders has written to me conveying its views on various aspects of the operation of the Act. However, as I have explained to them, the local authorities are now the relevant competent authorities for this activity. Responsibility for casual trading was delegated to local authorities because they are the best placed to regulate an activity which is essentially local in nature. The decision on the making of by-laws is one for the elected members of local authorities and the Act provides an appeal system for those aggrieved by the by-laws.
