asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware of the grave inconvenience and traffic congestion caused by the 24-hour army checkpoints which were placed on the bridges over the Shannon in Limerick city after the escape of three prisoners from Mountjoy Prison; and if he believes that such checkpoints serve any valid security purpose in these circumstances.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Traffic Checkpoints.
27.
The operation of joint Army/Garda checkpoints after the escape of three prisoners from Mountjoy Prison on 31st October, 1973, was regarded by the Garda as a necessary security operation. I am happy to leave such matters to the professional judgment of the Garda authorities.
The Commissioner has reported that in the operation of checkpoints every effort is made to secure the minimum delay to traffic but delays especially in large centres of population are sometimes unavoidable.
Is the Minister aware that these checkpoints were withdrawn last night only, 20 days after the escape of the three prisoners in question, that the prospects of their having any worthwhile security value in relation to the escape of those prisoners after such a long lapse of time must have been minute and that, on the other hand, the congestion and inconvenience caused in Limerick city was considerable, including traffic jams one mile long at times?
There is a question of the professional judgment of the Garda authorities involved in this case. I would prefer to accept their judgment as to how long these checkpoints should remain or when they should be removed.
Is the Minister aware why there was such extensive checking in Limerick city and not apparently in other parts of the country?
I am not aware that any particular area was subjected to severer checks than any other area. This would be a matter for assessment by the Garda and I am not prepared to interfere with their assessment in a matter such as this. I would not put my opinion as to the efficacy or otherwise of these checkpoints against their professional judgment. I am sure the Deputy is well aware of that.