asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware that individuals or groups who have engaged private bus companies to carry groups on outings for social or charitable purposes have been visited by members of the Garda Síochána on the grounds that these engagements constituted a breach of the Transport Acts; if he is aware of the strong objection to this attitude; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Chartering of Private Buses.
27.
It is the duty of the Garda Síochána to enforce the Road Transport Acts and this duty necessarily involves the stopping and questioning of drivers of vehicles of various kinds.
It has come to the notice of the Garda, through complaints and otherwise, that private buses have been used, apparently to an increasing extent, to carry farepaying passengers in contravention of the Road Transport Acts. Arising from the Garda investigations, some persons have already been convicted or have been given the benefit of the Probation of Offenders Act the charges having been found proved. Other cases are sub judice. Other cases again are still under investigation.
It is unavoidable that, when the Garda Síochána are carrying out checks of this nature, some persons will find themselves stopped for questioning who are not, in fact, breaking the law. In such cases, the Garda can only express their regret and endeavour, as they do, to keep the inconvenience to a minimum. I understand, however, that such complaints as have been made have come mainly from people against whom the Garda found evidence that justified a prosecution.