asked the Minister for Justice the number of parking tickets issued by members of the Garda Síochána in Limerick city on Sunday, 13th February, 1977, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.; and the reason for the large scale of activity on that particular date.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Parking Tickets.
5.
I am informed by the Commissioner of the Garda Síochána that no "fine-on-the-spot" notices were issued by the Garda in Limerick city on Sunday, 13th February. I understand, however, that on Sunday, 5th December, 1976, serious traffic obstruction was caused by illegal parking in the city and that 30 "fine-on-the-spot" notices were issued between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. on that day.
There may be a printing error in the question. Will the Minister assure me and the House that the Commissioner on his visit to Limerick did not instruct the Garda to become active in issuing more parking tickets?
I can assure the Deputy that there is nothing whatever in that statement, or in that version concerning the Commissioner's visit. I have been informed that serious traffic obstruction was caused by illegal parking in the city on that Sunday morning.
Surely there could not have been a traffic jam on a Sunday morning while people were at 8 o'clock Mass in the centre of the city. That has never been the case in Limerick. I understand that when the Commissioner visited Limerick he specifically instructed the Garda that they were not issuing enough parking dockets.
This is repetition.
In view of the fact that the traffic wardens have been taken over by Limerick Corporation will the Minister specify the duties vis-à-vis the Garda and the Limerick Corporation traffic wardens?
That is a separate question.
May I again deny that these summonses were issued as the result of any alleged instructions by the Commissioner? I have no information on what was discussed by the Commissioner on his visit to Limerick.
How does the Minister know what he did not say then?
Perhaps the Deputy was not paying attention but I have already said that "fine-on-the-spot" notices were issued because serious traffic obstruction was caused by illegal parking on that Sunday. While Limerick Corporation implement the traffic warden schemes, the Garda still have power under the Road Traffic Acts to operate parking controls independently. If someone disputes a "fine-on-the-spot" he can contest the matter in court and perhaps Deputy Coughlan may come forward as a witness.