Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I wish to distance myself from the remarks made about the Garda Commissioner. I wish Noirín O'Sullivan the best of luck. It is a great week for her and her family. To be the first female Garda Commissioner is a significant achievement. It is worth noting that practically all of the senior positions in the justice sector are now held by females. We are witnessing positive changing times.

Will the Leader organise a debate on casual trading? We have seen an evolution in casual trading in recent years. There are very successful farmers' markets in practically every county; there are numerous such markets in some counties which are all very positive and create a European style trading environment. The most healthy produce is produced in this country, as well as great artisan food, crafts and so forth. Therefore, a debate on the issue would be welcome. There are areas that require examination, particularly what is defined as casual trading in the case of events such as festivals. If one purchases and pays for a product to take away, that is deemed to be casual trading.

However, if one goes to a fortune-teller or psychic and hands in €20, or €50 in some cases, and does not bring away anything, that is not classified as casual trading. As such these people do not come under the remit of casual trading by-laws. Their vehicles must be considered in the same remit as casual trading, because money does change hands.

We must update our casual trading legislation. In advance of that, a debate in this House on the issue of casual trading, both the positives and the negatives, would be welcome.