asked the Minister for Justice whether he will state the cost to his Department to date of supplying Gárda Síochána escorts to the omnibuses owned by the Irish Omnibus Company as a result of the dispute which has arisen between that Company and its employees; and whether, in view of the continued refusal of the Company to discuss the matter in dispuite with representatives of the men's trade union, he will consider the withdrawal of the escorts or alternatively require the Company to pay the cost of them.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Police Escorts for Buses.
Police escorts are provided for omnibuses owned by the Irish Omnibus Company Ltd., where such escorts are believed to be necessary for the prevention of damage to the vehicles and for the protection of passengers. This work is part of the general work of the police and it is fallacious to suggest, as the Deputy suggests in his question, that any part of the cost of the police force should be earmarked for such work. I do not appreciate the suggestion in the latter part of the Deputy's question that the Minister for Justice should interfere in a dispute of this kind by refusing to grant protection to property and person where he is advised that such protection is desirable.
Will the Minister give the information asked for in the first part of the question?
I have already answered that. I do not know whether I made myself clear. It is part of the general work of the police, and, as such, it is not segregated from the rest of the work.
Has the Minister any information regarding the figures?