asked the Minister for Justice the progress which has been made by the Garda in providing adequate protection for Dublin Bus crews against assaults or robberies; if his attention has been drawn to reports that a group from the United States known as the Guardian Angels are threatening to put vigilante type groups on the buses to deal with such attacks; if he will outline the attitude of his Department to such a dangerous development; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Assaults on Bus Crews.
10.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the problem of attacks on late-night bus crews and passengers is continuing to receive special attention. There has been close liaison and co-operation for some time with Dublin Bus in this matter and since last October a number of measures have been taken by the gardaí and by the company. These measures, which I have previously outlined in the House, include intensified patrolling of known trouble spots by uniformed gardaí, making gardaí available to travel on buses as appropriate and the provision of mobile patrols, including joint Garda-Dublin Bus patrols to escort certain buses on selected routes.
The Garda authorities are satisfied that these measures are proving effective and there has been a downward trend in incidents involving violence on buses in the past few months. Since last October proceedings have been instituted against some 135 persons in respect of various offences relating to such incidents and 48 convictions have been obtained so far.
The Garda authorities are continuing to monitor the situation and to maintain close co-operation with Dublin Bus with a view to taking whatever action may be appropriate to further alleviate and control the problem.
On the question of the so-called "Guardian Angels", while I would welcome and, indeed, encourage active support from all citizens to the Garda Síochana in the fight against crime, such support must be within the law and must have due regard for the rights of all citizens.The potential dangers inherent in any self-appointed "vigilante" type group becoming involved in the very sensitive area of crime prevention and law enforcement are all too obvious. As Minister for Justice, I should like to make it absolutely clear that any attempts by individuals or groups to take the law into their own hands will not be tolerated in this country.
I welcome the Minister's clear and unambiguous statement with regard to self-appointed vigilante types. Has he conveyed to the self-styled leader of these so called "guardian angels" his view and that of the Garda Síochána that he and his likes would not be welcomed on the bus services?
I have had no contact with the "guardian angels" but bearing in mind what the Deputy has said I shall consider whether it is necessary to let them know very definitely what the position is as far as the Oireachtas is concerned.
The Minister indicated that a substantial number of convictions have taken place in the past few months. How many of those convictions involved prison sentences and how many are being served? I ask this in the light of the seriousness of the crime.
I do not have that information to hand. Without wishing to appear disrespectful to the Deputy, it is a separate question. If I can get the information without too much trouble I will send it to the Deputy.
It is important, given the nature of the crime.
In the context of the on-going co-operation between the Minister's Department, the Garda Síochána and Dublin Bus, has the Minister conveyed a view to Dublin Bus regarding the fact that the driver is obliged to collect fares and carry money? This is often an identifiable reason for an attack, particularly late at night. Has a view been conveyed to Dublin Bus on this matter? It is something they are very slow to address.
I have no doubt that matters such as this would undoubtedly have been discussed between the Garda and Dublin Bus. I would not be privy to the extent of that discussion.