asked the Minister for Local Government if he will ensure that the perimeter of the new road ringing Rathfarnham Road with Templeogue, Dublin will not be used for the settlement of itinerant families.
50.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Itinerant Families Settlements.
49.
asked the Minister for Local Government if he will establish a controlled itinerant camp in the vicinity of Walkinstown Avenue and Long Mile Road, Dublin; or alternatively, if he will remove the itinerants who are at present residing there.
I propose with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 49 and 50 together.
It is a matter for the local authority to consider what action it may be appropriate for them to take in such cases, whether by way of provision of sites or accommodation or other measures. I understand that the corporation have the cases mentioned under consideration.
I am aware that the matters referred to in my questions would, in the first instance, be matters for the local authority but I am not a member of a local authority. Would the Minister consider taking powers to control the matters raised in these two questions?
No, I think the local authorities are entitled to get even more powers than they have. I do not propose to direct local authorities as to how they should deal with itinerants. I know some people do not like them but they are human beings, the same as the rest of us.
As the Minister is aware, the very first itinerant settlement was in my constituency, in Le Fanu Road, Ballyfermot. It has been very successful indeed and we have a school for the children and they are going into factory employment. What I am talking about here is the question of Walkinstown Avenue where the corporation set up barriers on the unregistered and non-recognised site, without any facilities, which they are now inhabiting. The barriers have been broken down. I believe the State should take authority to deal with these matters rather than having what seems to be a loose application of justice by the local authority.
The Deputy is making a statement.
The corporation, to be fair to them, are doing everything they can.
They are doing very well.
Separate plans for the settlement of itinerants have been prepared by Dublin Corporation, Dublin County Council and Dún Laoghaire Borough Corporation for their respective areas of jurisdiction and a co-ordinated overall plan which has been formulated from these is at present under examination by Dublin Corporation. I do not think it would be right for the State to interfere to tell local authorities what they should do. Local authorities have the necessary powers to look after itinerants if they want to do it.
The Minister has a new Local Government Bill before the House. Will it give local authorities greater authority?
No, they have all the authority they need at present. It is not necessary to give them any more authority.