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From: Tuars
Date: 10/01/00
Time: 08:27:52
You must be reading a different version of the newspapers than me. As far as I can recall, cases involving travellers are reported once in a blue moon. Although, when they are reported they are usually given alot more space compared to the norm. And the sentences handed down to travellers are no more laughable or minor than those handed down to members of the settled community as far as I can see.
Please give me one from the "loads of examples" that you suggest are there but that I just can't seem to find. HTe way you put it seems like there is one in the paper every week, so it shouldn't be too hard, should it?
There was one incident refered to below about slash hooks in the boot of a car, but as far as I know this is a specific incident involving a feud between two families. It's hardly an every day occurence. I am not condoning the behaviour but this type of thing is happening all the time in the deprived parts of major cities in the country and no one is reporting on it. Suddenly when it's a bunch of travellers involved, it's front page news. And again, the conclusion is quickly reached that every traveller has an arsenal of weaponry in the boot of his car.
The incidence of cases not being pursued because it is a waste of time is just as prevalent among the settled community as it is among travellers. You need some facts to back up your assertions. I cannot rely on "countless" anecdotes from your friends and family.
What is the law that says the council is obliged to provide housing for travellers who park illegally? I haven't seen that one. As far as I understand the law gives the council the authority to move the travellers on. Perhaps the authorities are selective in how they apply this law but that is the law as I understand it.
Please quote some facts, not generalisations and hearsay. You still haven't shown me how travellers are such a huge burden on the state or how they receive preferential treatment in the courts or housing allocation.