asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware of the doubt as to whether there are any laws, by-laws or regulations by which bands of travelling tinkers, gypsies and lino sellers, all equipped with cars and caravans of various types, may be prevented from camping for a period longer than one night in the vicinity of towns, villages, entrances to private houses and hotels, sea beaches, listed beauty spots and tourist resorts; and, if so, whether he will introduce proposals for legislation by which such obstructions and nuisances may be prevented.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Itinerants' Encampments.
The police have no power to interfere with persons camping out, so long as they do not obstruct the public highway. If such persons trespass on private property, the matter is one for the owners or occupiers of the property. I appreciate that these bands of vagrants are a great nuisance and if I could see any satisfactory way of dealing with them I should not hesitate to introduce proposals for legislation. At present, however, I do not see any satisfactory solution of the problem.