It is the responsibility of the manager of each local authority to ensure that staffing levels in the authority are adequate to ensure that the functions assigned to it are carried out. Requests by local authorities for the creation of additional posts are considered on their merits by my Department. Expenditure arising as a result of additional staffing costs is a matter for local authorities in the context of the determination of their annual Estimates.
My Department's primary responsibility in this area is to ensure that there is an adequate legis-
lative and financial framework within which local authorities, voluntary bodies and Travellers may provide or be assisted in the provision or management of accommodation for Travellers. Local authorities have a range of powers under section 32 of the Housing (Traveller Accommodation) Act, 1998, in relation to unauthorised Traveller encampments which are on public land and on the roadside, located within specified distances of Traveller accommodation provided by any housing authority or voluntary body with the assistance of a housing authority, or in poor condition or interfere with amenities or are likely to
be or are a risk to personal or public health or safety.
There are other powers available to local authorities such as those available under the Local Government (Sanitary Services) Act, 1948, in relation to the prohibition of temporary dwellings in certain areas and controls under environmental, litter, waste management and public health legislation and the legislation relating to the control of dogs and horses. Under the Roads Acts, vehicles must not be parked in a manner which interferes with the normal flow of traffic or which obstructs or endangers other traffic. The enforcement of the law relating to public order is a matter for the Garda Síochána.