asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will introduce legislation to prevent trading by dealers from roadside camping sites.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Roadside Dealers.
5.
Having regard to the existence of long-established and acceptable forms of roadside selling, I do not consider that an absolute prohibition of such selling would be justifiable or feasible, but I am considering whether and to what extent it would be feasible to impose some restrictions on roadside trading to take account of representations which have been made to me.
Would the Minister agree that this is a growing problem and that those legitimate traders who must pay rent and rates and also VAT are subjected to very unfair competition as a result of this roadside trading? Apart from health hazards and other considerations, this practice results in a loss to the Exchequer. Consequently, would the Parliamentary Secretary not agree that steps should be taken immediately to deal with the matter?
I am aware of the problems referred to by the Deputy. Similar representations have been made to me by two deputations I have received. Following representations from my Department to the Revenue Commissioners in October, 1973 action was taken in relation to the sale through such outlets of stolen or smuggled goods. I understand that considerable progress was made by the Garda authorities in that respect.
In relation to the other types of abuse to which the Deputy refers, there seems to be a considerable problem of enforcement. In many cases it was found almost impossible to serve summonses because of the difficulty in identifying and pinning down the itinerant sales people concerned. Where arrest or seizure of property was concerned, there was much difficulty in some cases and where prosecution succeeded the penalities under old Acts were trivial in present day terms. This whole matter is complex and difficult but I am having an examination carried out in regard to it at the moment.
I can understand how it might be difficult to issue summonses, but in relation to Deputy Power's constituency, for example, there have been three itinerant trading groups in operation for the past eight months so there should be no difficulty in issuing summonses in respect of those people.
I have not particular knowledge of the groups to which the Deputy refers. However, a problem would exist in so far as these people could disappear overnight from the places at which they operate. We need to look at the legislative position generally with a view to improving it.
In the meantime, what will happen to the honest trader?
I am aware that the situation presents problems for the honest trader and it is for that reason that I am having carried out the review to which I have referred.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware——
This must be a final supplementary.
——that as well as the harm being done to the honest trader by the operations of these people, there is enormous inconvenience to the settled community who live beside the sites where these traders park? For example, this type of trading has been going on on the Ballymun road for the past eight months. This is totally unfair to the ratepayers and all who live in this area. Apart from other considerations, there is the health hazard involved.
Representations on the lines mentioned by the Deputy have been referred to me. There are statutes in existence for dealing with the problem and I would urge all authorities, particularly local authorities, to study the powers they have to see whether they can be enforced. However, as I have said, I am considering the question in general with a view to ascertaining whether the legislation can be improved.
Arising further——
We must move on to question No. 6.
Can the Minister give an estimate of the number of itinerant traders?
No. Obviously, there is no such record.
Would the number be as high as 400?
Order. I have called the next question.