Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Ceann Comhairle sincerely for allowing me to raise this Topical Issue. Along with my colleagues, I attended a public meeting on Friday night in my home town of Castledermot. It was called to discuss an issue that has caused many a sleepless night for the residents of three townlands close to the town, Madges Lane, Davidstown and Ballybannon: a repossession order granted from the High Court in regard to farmlands adjacent to the stated areas. The High Court decision is not part of the Topical Issue. However, I have grave concerns in regard to the actions that resulted from the decision and, in particular, the efforts of the receiver to repossess the property.

Last week, upwards of 30 men, dressed in black, sought to access the property in the hours of darkness. Rural Ireland has suffered a lot from burglaries, theft, anti-social behaviour, etc., over the past number of years, to the point that communities have united to protect their properties and communities. One need only travel to practically any part of the country to see the great work and actions that those communities are involved in to give a sense of protection to themselves and their loved ones. I know from personal experience the great work that community texting does in my own community. In this context, one cannot but have concerns in regard to the actions outlined, with upwards of 30 men dressed in black, some with dogs and some wearing balaclavas, arriving at a rural location in the middle of the night. Can we explain this arrival in a rural area in the middle of the night? It is inexplicable that this was allowed to happen. It cannot be right, and we cannot but imagine the torment of those living in this rural location, many of whom are elderly. One woman of 75 years of age says she has not gone outside her door since.

What is the procedure in regard to such actions? Is the Garda Síochána informed or asked to attend? Has the Garda Síochána the authority to say to the receiver that he or she cannot attend because of the hour of the night? Can the Minister of State please inform us whether, through the legislative process, we can ensure that actions as a result of such High Court decisions can take place only between dawn and dusk? We do not want to see it happen in our community or any other.

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