asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware that on Friday 31st July, 1970, Moore Street, Dublin, was blocked off to facilitate the operation of a film unit; that normal commerce was interrupted and that local traders suffered losses; if the gardaí were asked to facilitate blocking off the street; and if he will ensure that in future, before garda co-operation is forthcoming shopkeepers, street traders and the public are notified in advance.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Blocking of Dublin Street.
64.
I am informed that the street was not blocked off. Congestion of traffic did, however, occur from about 1 p.m. until, at the request of the gardaí, filming in the street ceased at about 2.45 p.m.
The gardaí are naturally concerned to minimise interference with traffic on such occasions but, in view of the commercial value to this country of having films made here, it has been the practice to facilitate film companies as long as they do not cause serious or prolonged obstruction. An announcement as suggested by the Deputy is open to the objection that it would be likely to increase the number of spectators on such an occasion.
The Minister's information is quite incorrect. Is the Minister aware that when traders went to open their shops as early as 7 a.m. this street was actually roped off? I do not know if the Minister is aware of it but Friday is a very busy day in Moore Street and on that morning from as early as 6 o'clock or 7 o'clock the street was roped off until 4 o'clock in the evening and normal traders and street traders who depend very largely on Friday's trading, and normal shoppers who go to Moore Street, were practically denied access to that street. When the people complained to the gardaí the gardaí said they did not know when it would cease and that they would inquire into the matter. The gardaí seemed to have no knowledge of it.
I cannot accept that what the Deputy says is correct. My information is contrary to that. I understand that arrangements were made with certain business people in the street and that these people were adequately compensated but certain other business people who did not succeed in negotiating compensation objected rather strenuously to that.
Is the Minister now suggesting that certain traders were picked out in this street——
This has nothing to do with the gardaí. It is not my responsibility at all. It was an arrangement between the film company and certain traders.
Will the Minister accept that his information is incorrect if I get a sworn statement from the traders in this street?
My information is from the gardaí present at the time. I have no reason to doubt its accuracy.
The Minister would accept the information of the gardaí in preference to that of the traders?
I have no reason to doubt the gardaí information nor reason to see any conflict between that and what most of the traders say.
Most traders seem to say the exact opposite.