asked the Minister for the Environment if he is aware that the board of management may have to close Old Bawn Community School, Old Bawn, Tallaght, County Dublin because of the nuisance and disturbance caused by itinerants on adjoining lands; and if he will arrange for the necessary steps to be taken to ensure that such a serious step will not be taken and that the school premises and their use by children will be secured.
Written Answers. - Tallaght (County Dublin) Community School.
534.
The question of the steps to be taken in connection with unauthorised camping is a matter for consideration by the local authority, in this case Dublin County Council. I understand that the school authorities have submitted their complaints to the council for attention. I have no jurisdiction in matters relating to the school.
I believe that an essential part of any solution to problems arising from random camping by travelling families is the provision of accommodation in accordance with Government policy. My Department gives every assistance, including financial assistance at the rate of 100 per cent of the capital cost of providing special housing, serviced sites and ancillary accommodation, and support for the employment of social workers.
Each local authority has been asked by my Department to prepare a plan to deal with the total settlement problem in their area, through provision of houses, or serviced sites, according to the individual needs of the families concerned. Consultation between local authorities is encouraged in the case of providing for families moving between areas.
I understand that proposals for a programme for provision of serviced sites to meet the needs in the Dublin area which was submitted to Dublin County Council has been referred back by the council for re-examination.