asked the Minister for Justice if he has satisfied himself with the present protection afforded to Dublin bus crews from violence on late night buses; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
26.
Written Answers. - Dublin Bus Crews Protection.
25.
asked the Minister for Justice if his attention has been drawn to the number of violent attacks on bus crews in Dublin recently, which led to a withdrawal of late night services on a number of north city routes on the weekend of 10 February 1989; if the Garda intend to take any additional steps to provide adequate protection for bus crews; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
37.
asked the Minister for Justice the action he has taken to provide all necessary Garda protection for the crews and passengers of late night buses in Dublin city; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Question Nos. 25, 26, and 37 together.
I have been informed by the Garda authorities that the problem of attacks on late night bus crews and passengers is receiving special attention. There has been close liaison and co-operation for some time with Dublin Bus about the problem and since October last a number of measures are being taken by the Garda in conjunction with security measures introduced by the company.
These measures include intensive patrolling of known trouble spots by uniformed gardaí, making gardaí available to travel on buses as appropriate and the provision of mobile patrols to escort certain buses. In view of recent incidents on certain bus routes the Garda authorities have arranged to make gardaí available, as far as possible, to travel on the late night buses on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays on the worst-affected routes.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that since October 1988 proceedings have been instituted against about 120 persons in respect of various offences relating to violence on buses, including attacks on crews, and that 13 convictions have been obtained so far. I am also informed that the matter will continue to receive ongoing attention from the Garda who will maintain close co-operation with Dublin Bus with a view to further alleviating the problem.