As government again removes asylum-seekers and their tents, the notion of ‘a criminal offence in principle’ remains unknown to law and the Canal Act expressly disapplies itself to persons using canal property for less than a week in one place. Ten days ago, on 11 May, I asked the Department of the Taoiseach to explain the legality of its removal of tents on the canal. It is an established legal principle that a specific law or byelaw prevails over a more general law or byelaw. (1) No person shall place or use any structure, tent, caravan or vehicle as a dwelling on canal property, except with the written permission of the Commissioners. (3) This Bye-law shall not apply to persons using canal property for a period of not more than one week at the same place’.

Source: The Irish Times May 21, 2024 15:47 UTC