Roscommon eviction violence
Eugene Murphy speaks emotionally about a local eviction and the violence involved, calling for legislation to stop heavy gangs evicting people. He is supported by others in the House, and he argues for urgent action to prevent similar scenes.
I had indicated to the Leas-Cheann Comhairle at an early stage that I wanted to raise this issue, and I knew he would call me. With all due respect to the Taoiseach and everybody else in the House, I live three miles from the family. I grew up virtually beside them. I went to school with them, so I know those people better than anybody. People are very upset, first, with the way the eviction was carried out and, second, with the violence that took place.
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It is important that I clarify this. This happened on my home turf and involved my friends-----
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-----and I am sure everybody will understand if I take a few extra seconds to deal with it.
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The reality is that, as legislators, we have to move on this issue. I do not believe there is one person in this House who does not want to see those people back in their home for Christmas, irrespective of our different views, but I have one question for the Taoiseach. Does he agree it is time we all worked together on legislation to stop, once and for all, heavy gangs evicting people? That will be a major step in the right direction. In 2018, we should be well able to do that and stop what is a horrible situation for many people.