asked the Minister for Justice whether it is a fact that police escorts have been provided at a few hours' notice for omnibuses owned by the Irish Omnibus Co., Ltd.; and whether, in view of that company's rejection of the offer of the Department of Industry and Commerce to intervene to secure a settlement of the dispute, and of the Minister's recent statement as to the already too numerous other duties of the Gárda Síochána, he will consider the advisability of notifying the company that police escorts for buses can be provided no longer.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Police Escorts for Omnibuses.
Police escorts are provided for omnibuses owned by the Irish Omnibus Co., Ltd., where such escorts are believed to be necessary for the prevention of damage to the vehicles or for the protection of passengers.
Can the Minister state what is the estimated expenditure in connection with these escorts and if the Irish Omnibus Company will be responsible for the expenditure incurred?
I cannot possibly tell what the expenditure will be, but of course the Guards must carry out their duty.
I know, but if the Minister is not in a position now to state what the expenditure will be, will he make the I.O.C. liable when he does ascertain it?
Will the Deputy inform me under what statute he suggests I could do so?
Will the Minister inform me under what statute he sends out escorts on motor bicycles?
The Guards have their duty to do under the statutes.
Yes, but we should not expect the taxpayers to pay for it in this case; the I.O.C. should do so.
The Guards are appointed to prevent the destruction of property or the injury of persons. That is their primary duty, as the Deputy is no doubt aware.
Might I point out that when Guards are going on duty to a sports meeting at a place like Croke Park the promoters of the sports have to pay £1 or a guinea a day per Guard, and naturally the Irish Omnibus Company should be responsible for the cost of the protection afforded.
I must inform the Deputy that in my opinion the destruction of omnibuses is not a sport.
I did not maintain it was.
Is it the policy of the Department to allow Guards to be used in this manner to assist in strike-breaking?
It is the duty of the Guards to prevent breaches of the peace. The Guards have nothing to do with the merits or demerits of any particular strike.
Is it not a fact that the I.O.C. refused the good offices of the Department of Industry and Commerce, which was willing to make an effort to settle this dispute?
I would suggest that the Deputy should ask that question of the Minister for Industry and Commerce.
It is common property. The Minister knows it quite well.