Vol. 520 No. 4
192 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the practice whereby some members of the travelling community occupy private or industrial sites and demand money to leave; the prosecutions there have been for this practice in each of the years from 1995 to 1999; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15954/00]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the Prohibition of Forcible Entry and Occupation Act, 1971, deals with the forcible occupation of private or industrial sites by members of the public. I understand that the demanding of money to leave sites is not an offence under this Act. I have been assured, however, by the Garda authorities that any complaints received by the gardaí in relation to the occupation of private/industrial sites where breaches of the criminal law are disclosed will be investigated to a conclusion.
Leaving aside the provisions of the 1971 Act, I should also state that where trespassing takes place on private or public property, for example, local authority owned land, the matter is left to civil remedy and, as such, it is not open to the gardaí to intervene. In such circumstances , it is a matter for the owner to seek a court injunction to have the trespassers removed.
If requested, the gardaí will attend the scene to prevent possible breaches of the peace.
