Limerick East): I propose to take Questions Nos. 96 and 97 together.
I understand that the normal bus service resumed in recent days.
I had earlier received a report from the Garda authorities indicating that on 24 November 1983, a Garda inspector attended a meeting with CIE officials, union representatives and members of the local residents' associations. Assurances were given that Garda attention was being and would continue to be given to the areas about which complaints were made. These assurances were not regarded as adequate by the unions and apparently they hoped for a virtual guarantee that no further attacks would take place. Regrettably, that is not feasible.
A second meeting was held on 1 December 1983 which was also attended by a number of public representatives for the area and the Garda position was further explained.
The Garda will continue to take all practicable steps, having regard to the resources available to them, to afford protection to buses serving the area.