Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I acknowledge the fact that, having raised this on Questions on Promised Legislation last week, the Tánaiste subsequently spoke to me and indicated that it was a priority for him. However, I have to stress that the wheels of democracy and of our systems move very slowly. I also put it to the Minister of State that the Department of Defence has been remiss in dealing with An Garda Síochána. As far as I am concerned, An Garda Síochána has been active in trying to deal with the situation that has existed. There is a High Court order dating back 20 years that empowers An Garda and the Department of Defence to do something about illegal encampments. When it came to the crunch, the Department of Defence told An Garda to do nothing and not to proceed. We cannot continue to do nothing. Something must be put in place before this summer comes. We cannot allow this to happen. It is not just about the degradation of the plains, the real damage that is being done to the bloodstock industry or the impeding of the recreational use of the Curragh; it is about the risks that arise from large-scale unauthorised development of any nature taking place in an area where there is a total lack of control. That is the particular problem. If something happens and somebody is injured or hurt or if some other travesty occurs, we will all be very seriously concerned but the point is that we now have a short period of time in which to take action. I urge that action be taken immediately.

See this speech in context