Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 14 May 1998

Vol. 491 No. 2

Written Answers. - Public Service Vehicles Regulations.

Brendan McGahon

Question:

24 Mr. McGahon asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the problem that exists in the Dundalk area in relation to persons using their own private vehicles in very organised business operations to carry members of the public for hire and reward thereby in breach of sections of the Road Traffic Acts, 1961 to 1995; and if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that the gardaí have directed huge amounts of resources and manpower in trying to bring an end to this problem but have been unable to do so. [11478/98]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue):

I am informed by the Garda authorities that specific operations have been mounted during the past two years to respond to breaches of the Road Traffic (Public Service Vehicles) Regulations, 1963, as amended, in the Dundalk area. As a result, 24 persons were prosecuted for such offences in 1997 and, to date in 1998, two persons have been prosecuted. A number of other cases are being pursued by the Garda Síochána.

I have been informed also that the matter will continue to receive a high degree of Garda attention.