asked the Minister for Justice whether he has seen reports of the failure of prosecutions at French-park court on the 21st February for failing to stop at a stop sign in Frenchpark village, County Roscommon, apparently for lack of evidence from the Commissioner of the Garda Síochána that the sign was put up with his approval; whether he now proposes to take steps for the remission of fines previously imposed at the same court as a result of similar prosecutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Roscommon Traffic Prosecution.
17.
I have seen the reports referred to.
The question whether this decision correctly represents the legal position has not been authoritatively determined by a higher Court, but, in any event, the new Road Traffic Bill will put the position beyond doubt for the future.
Meanwhile, if those who have already been convicted in similar circumstances, either in the same Court or in other Courts, wish to have their convictions set aside, it will be necessary for them to appeal against the convictions in the ordinary way. It is not for me, as Minister for Justice, to determine whether or not convictions are wrongful. I have no power to do so.