asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware of reported attacks on CIE bus crews in certain Dublin areas; and if he will state what measures are being taken to protect the crews.
47.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Attacks on Bus Crews.
46.
asked the Minister for Justice if there have been any arrests or prosecutions within the past year subsequent to Garda investigation of attacks on CIE bus crews in Dublin city.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 46 and 47 together.
During the year 1971 a total of 20 persons were arrested in Dublin and later charged with assaults on CIE bus crews or with disorderly conduct on buses.
The Garda know that particular localities are the most likely trouble spots in this regard and special attention is being given to them by mobile patrols, particularly at weekends.
CIE have allocated some radio equipped buses to routes on which incidents of the kind in question have occurred and this will facilitate quicker communication with the Garda if any further incidents occur.
The Minister has stated that 20 persons were arrested and charged in Dublin. Can he tell us how many were convicted? Is the Minister aware that the gardaí in Dublin frequently summons people and bring them to court but they are let off scot-free by the justices and the judges——
We cannot discuss that particular aspect on this question.
It is the kernel of the matter.
It is not.
The gardaí are fed up arresting people and having them allowed out by district justices and judges in Dublin.
I have no record of the number convicted. The figures I gave related to 1971. A number arrested in January 1972 were convicted and one of them was fined a total of £38.50.
The remaining questions will appear on tomorrows Order Paper.