asked the Minister for Justice if he proposes to give police protection to bus crews who request it.
Ceisteann—Questions. Oral Answers. - Bus Crew Protection.
12.
Requests by bus crews for police protection receive every consideration by the Garda, and, where considered necessary, protection is provided either en route or at termini. The Garda are considering whether there are any further special steps they could take.
In special cases would it be possible that a garda could be on board the bus or that a squad car would be put on its tail?
I understand that on troublesome routes the squad cars keep an eye on buses, but it would be impossible to have a garda riding on each bus on all the troublesome routes all the time. Spot checks are made frequently, particularly during troublesome hours.
The Minister will be aware that this is one aspect of the matter about which Deputy Fitzpatrick was concerned. I understand that the bus crews have indicated that, unless they get extra protection, they will discontinue the service at 10 o'clock in the evening. This would be a great inconvenience to innocent people who want to come into town to go to the theatre, or the cinema, or for ordinary entertainment.
I am well aware of the difficulties which bus crews face on some routes. I received a deputation from a busmen's union last week and had a discussion on this matter generally.