Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)

I am pleased to have the opportunity to speak briefly on this legislation. I am delighted the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform is present to listen to some of the issues raised.

Before I speak on the legislation, the Minister mentioned the Garda authority. I welcome it and fair play to the Minister for his stance on it. I wish to bring to his attention as Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform a matter I witnessed in my constituency last Tuesday. During recent weeks non-nationals have come to one town in particular where women run shops on their own. The Minister must address this issue.

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