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Dáil Éireann - Volume 268 - 06 November, 1973 Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Roadside Traders. Mr. O'Malley Mr. O'Malley 34. Mr. O'Malley asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce the reasons for his continued refusal to take steps to control the roadside sale of goods by caravan traders, in view of the unfair competition which they constitute to established traders. Mr. P. Barry Mr. P. Barry Mr. P. Barry: I do not regard roadside trading as inherently wrong. I consider that the problem posed by this type of trading arises largely because of the extent to which stolen and smuggled goods have figured in it recently. If these elements were eliminated, it is unlikely that roadside traders would present a serious problem. I do not consider that the matter is one in which I can take direct action. I feel that the problem can most effectively be dealt with by full enforcement of the present law with the interests of traders in mind and I have asked the appropriate authorities to continue to do everything in their power to this end. Ruairí Brugha Ruairí Brugha Ruairí Brugha: Can the Minister state the value of the goods that have been sold in the last year? Mr. P. Barry Mr. P. Barry Mr. P. Barry: I am sorry, I do not know. Ruairí Brugha Ruairí Brugha Ruairí Brugha: Would the Minister be surprised to hear that a figure of £1½ million in this connection has been mentioned? Would the Minister not agree that effective steps should be taken immediately to end this system of unfair trading, particularly with regard to goods of doubtful origin and ownership? Mr. P. Barry Mr. P. Barry Mr. P. Barry: I accept the point made at the end of the Deputy's supplementary question with regard to goods of doubtful origin. However, I must point out that many roadside traders deal at fairs and operate under hawkers' licences and are legitimate traders. The Minister stated previously that this problem can be dealt with most effectively by full enforcement of the present law and I agree with him. Ruairí Brugha Ruairí Brugha Ruairí Brugha: Is the Minister aware that goods have been bought from these traders at half price? Mr. P. Barry Mr. P. Barry Mr. P. Barry: I am aware. I know that the Minister intends that the present law be fully enforced. Mr. Lemass Mr. Lemass 1243 [1243] Mr. Lemass: The Minister referred to traders and hawkers at fairs. Is the Minister aware that these people must be licensed and are under the scrutiny of the Garda at all times to ensure that the goods they are selling match the descriptions that are given? Mr. P. Barry Mr. P. Barry Mr. P. Barry: Yes. Mr. Lemass Mr. Lemass Mr. Lemass: Did the Minister state he was satisfied with the present situation where goods valued at £1½ million were sold? The goods in question were mostly luxury items but the traders do not pay VAT, rents, overheads or the cost of hawkers' licences. Does the Minister consider that this is fair trading? Mr. P. Barry Mr. P. Barry Mr. P. Barry: No. If the goods are stolen a stop should be put to this practice. However, under the law the Garda have sufficient powers. Mr. Briscoe Mr. Briscoe Mr. Briscoe: Has the Minister received many complaints from small traders who sell the same kinds of goods as roadside traders? These people have suffered considerable hardship and loss of business. Mr. P. Barry Mr. P. Barry Mr. P. Barry: I understand a number of traders' associations have complained to the Minister and, as a result, he has asked the appropriate authorities to continue to do everything in their power to bring it to an end. Mr. R.P. Burke Mr. R.P. Burke Mr. R.P. Burke: If there are powers to deal with this matter, why are they not being enforced? Mr. P. Barry Mr. P. Barry Mr. P. Barry: They are being enforced. Mr. R.P. Burke Mr. R.P. Burke Mr. R.P. Burke: If that is so, how can we hear today that goods to the value of £1½ million were sold? Mr. P. Barry Mr. P. Barry Mr. P. Barry: I would point out I did not introduce that figure. Mr. R.P. Burke Mr. R.P. Burke Mr. R.P. Burke: The Minister must be aware of the extent of this trading, especially on main roads—— Mr. P. Barry Mr. P. Barry Mr. P. Barry: Deputy Brugha mentioned the figure of £1½ million. I do not know if it is right or wrong. An Ceann Comhairle Seán Treacy 1244 An Ceann Comhairle: We cannot [1244] debate this question all afternoon. I am calling Deputy Fitzgerald for a final supplementary. Mr. G. Fitzgerald Mr. G. Fitzgerald Mr. G. Fitzgerald: Is the Minister aware of Press statements this week which stated some firms were worried about loss of employment because of articles sold by certain traders? Has the Minister any statement on that matter? Mr. P. Barry Mr. P. Barry Mr. P. Barry: I have answered this question fully. The Minister has instructed the appropriate authorities to continue to do everything to bring this to an end. I do not think he can do any more. Dáil Éireann 268 Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. Roadside Traders. Questions 19731106
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