I move amendment No. 2:
In page 4, between lines 30 and 31, to insert the following:
"(d) selling newspapers, magazines, wrapping paper and other printed matter,
(e) traditional stall-holders selling fruit, vegetables, flowers or other perishable goods,
(f) the selling of fish by traditional fishmonger stall-holders or the crew which catches them,
(g) any person whom the local authority knows to be a traditional street trader until after such time as that person is offered a reasonable location from which to trade.".
I do not intend to repeat the arguments I made on Second and on Committee Stages, but the Minister's arguments on these amendments on Committee Stage were unsatisfactory. The Minister argued that the purpose of the Bill was to devolve powers to the local authorities and that they could then take on the task of assessing who should come under this Bill. I do not accept that because the Bill has introduced categories of street traders who were excluded up to now. It is now being left to the local authorities to decide.
If it is simply a matter of devolving power to the local authorities, the 1980 Bill should stand and certain categories, such as people who sell newspapers, for example, should be excluded. The harsh provisions, such as the large fines are inappropriate for people, both young and old, who traditionally sold newspapers on street corners. I also include those who sell team colours outside football matches, etc. It is unjust and unnecessary to include such people under this Bill. I do not understand the Minister's argument that he is devolving power to local authorities. If that was the case, he would not make these changes nor would be introduce these additional categories.
This Bill legislates for social justice. I predict as I did on Committee Stage, that the small trader — the Molly Malone who does not have a pitch from which to trade — and the woman selling fruit and flowers in the centre of Dublin will bear the brunt of the harsh aspects of this Bill. For that reason, I will continue to press the case for these people and I will oppose the Bill.
I acknowledge the Minister has changed some sections substantially and has helped categories of people such as those in Moore Street who met him and made a strong case. It is only fair to acknowledge the Minister's efforts on their behalf, the changes he has made, the concessions which I and other Members, who have campaigned for these people, have won and the efforts of those who lobbied the Minister. While I acknowledge the substantial changes which are beneficial to some categories, the heavy fines and harsh provisions in this Bill will be directed against some of the most disadvantaged people in this State. For those reasons, I will press these amendments.