Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)

The Tánaiste will not be surprised that I rise to speak today to mention the illegal encampments on the Curragh Plains. In mentioning them, I immediately thank the Tánaiste and his official for the speed with which they moved in the earlier part of this year to deal with the several illegal encampments which were established. The Tánaiste's alacrity contrasts with the way in which the problem was dealt with in previous years.

What has been happening on the Curragh with these illegal encampments, with visitors coming from Britain and France as well as across Ireland, could not even be imagined in the Phoenix Park because the Phoenix Park is a national resource that is perfectly well managed. It is happening on the Curragh because the Curragh is ineffectively and ineffectually managed. The programme for Government commits to a new management system. When will we see that management system put in place so that there can be an end to these expensive, unnecessary and damaging incursions?

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