Vol. 346 No. 10
asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware that, following the stoning of buses by unidentified youths, the bus service to west Tallaght, County Dublin, after 6 p.m. has been discontinued by CIE causing severe inconvenience to the people of the area; and the steps the Garda are taking to secure the safety of the bus drivers so that the bus service will be restored.
97.
asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware that bus schedules in west Tallaght, Dublin, have been altered as a result of interference with bus crews; if he will review as a matter of urgency the availability of gardaí to patrol bus routes, as the limitation of terminal points to Tallaght town centre will mean hardship for many elderly people over the Christmas season; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
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.
