Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1063. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government to outline the legislation in place to prevent squatting on public lands; his plans to update legislation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42113/14]

Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Local authorities are empowered to deal with the unauthorised placing of temporary dwellings on public property under the Local Government (Sanitary Services) Act 1948 and Section 10 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1992, as amended by Section 32 of the Housing (Traveller Accommodation) Act 1998 and Section 21 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2002. The initiation of action under these pieces of legislation is a matter for each local authority.

While I have no current plans to amend the powers available to local authorities, I will continue to keep the effectiveness of these powers under review.

The relevant provisions of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994 concerning entering and occupying land without consent are a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Justice and Equality.