asked the Minister for Justice, if, in the coming Garda Síochána recruiting campaign, he will have in mind the need for a number of Garda to help school children, especially infants under seven years, to cross the roads near the school entrances, and if he will include this duty as part of the training for the new young recruits passing into the Garda.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Gardai to Help Children.
Mr. Byrne
Mr. Boland
The members of the Garda Síochána are fully alive to the dangers to which young children are exposed in crossing the streets and have always paid special attention to the control of traffic at the more dangerous crossings in the vicinity of schools.
Mr. Byrne
Will the Minister say that in future when new Guards are recruited adequate protection will be given outside schools during the hours in which children are going to school and coming out?
Mr. Boland
The Deputy is as long in Dublin as I am and knows that the Guards have always done that and will continue to do that.
Mr. Byrne
That is not the point. I am asking the Minister, when he is recruiting new Guards will he see that part of their training will be the protection of children going to school and coming from school and crossing the roads? I am asking the Minister will he see that the children are properly protected during those hours.