A social problem has emerged in recent years because of some Traveller families who take over public parks during the summer months. But Fine Gael's legislative response to this situation has been populist and simplistic rather than balanced and equitable. The party's spokeswoman on local government, Ms Olivia Mitchell, would make trespass a criminal offence under the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill, 2001, which was published earlier this week. Local authorities would be compelled to take action. And Travellers would be forced to move on or face arrest under tough new measures. Caravans could be seized under the proposed law. They would be returned on payment of specific charges or sold off. Travellers found guilty of illegal parking would be liable to fines of up to £1,000 and six months imprisonment for a first offence and up to £2,000 and 12 months imprisonment for subsequent offences.
These swingeing measures might be justified as a last resort, in the face of consistent anti-social behaviour by large numbers of Travellers and where a sufficient number of serviced halting sites had been provided by local authorities. But local authorities have consistently discriminated against Travellers. And elected representatives have failed to fulfil their statutory duties by housing Traveller families and providing permanent and temporary halting sites for those who wish to retain their traditional life-style. Unfortunately, in that regard, Ms Mitchell's record makes unhappy reading. Her consistent opposition to the establishment of halting sites and the adoption of council plans to accommodate Travellers, places a question mark over her impartiality in this matter.
There is no doubt that some Travellers have behaved outrageously by indiscriminate camping; by demanding money from property owners to move on and through creating serious public nuisances of litter and filth. Their behaviour has caused serious friction with the settled community and has eroded the limited amount of public goodwill that existed there. But it is important to stress that this behaviour is not the norm. Less than 200 trading families are said to have been involved. Because of that, it may be more productive to enforce the range of existing laws that cover trespass, public order and the accommodation of Travellers. But Fine Gael should ensure its elected representatives fulfil their obligations to accommodate Travellers before embarking on such harsh measures.