Vol. 266 No. 9
asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware of large numbers of roadside vendors in recent times particularly on the Chapelizod road and the Naas dual carriageway; and if, in view of the nuisance being caused, he will make a statement on the matter.
46.
asked the Minister for Justice the number of charges, if any, pending against purchasers from roadside vendors; and the general nature of the charges.
(Cavan): With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 45 and 46 together.
I am informed by the Garda Síochána that they have given close attention to the problems caused by this kind of roadside trading and, where breaches of the law have been detected, proceedings have been brought against the persons concerned. A total of 61 prosecutions is being taken, against persons found trading in the Chapelizod Road area. In the case of the Naas dual carriageway, the Garda say that no breaches of the law were detected on the two recent occasions on which the roadside vendors appeared there, and that in fact as far as the gardaí know they did not commence operations on any scale on those occasions.
I assume that Question No. 46 relates to charges arising from transactions with such vendors and I have been informed by the Garda that there are no such charges pending.
Can the Minister indicate who supplies the goods to the roadside vendors?
(Cavan): I have not that information before me. If it relates to the specific instances mentioned in the question, I do not think it would be appropriate to disclose it until the prosecutions have been disposed of.
I am calling Question No. 47.
The Minister is aware that in other parts of the country there are roadside vendors operating—this does not necessarily apply to the two questions. Can the Minister hazard a guess regarding the suppliers of the goods?
The Deputy may not enlarge on the question on the Order Paper. I have called Question No. 47.
(Cavan): Questions No. 45 and 46 relate to specific instances at Chapelizod.
Can the Minister state if there are any proposals to enclose these people behind an electric fence?
For the third time I am calling Question No. 47.
