Vol. 566 No. 1
617 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if guidelines will be issued for the wearing of seat belts by gardaí in Garda cars, in view of the dangers that gardaí are open to and the example that wearing of such belts would give to others. [11548/03]
I have been informed by the Garda authorities that guidelines on the wearing of seatbelts were issued to all members of the Garda Síochána on the 2 April 1998. These guidelines provided that the policy for the force requires the wearing of seatbelts by all occupants of Garda vehicles at all times. This policy is only to be departed from in exceptional circumstances.
618 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to his reply to Parliamentary Question No. 578 of 25 March 2003, if the violent assault on the person (details supplied) is included in the statistics given; if any local closed circuit television was checked at the time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11552/03]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the incident referred to by the Deputy is recorded as having occurred on Amiens Street, Dublin 1. The statistical information contained in my reply to the Deputy's Question No. 578 of 25 March 2003, referred to Connolly Station and its environs, and did not include public roads bordering the railway station, such as Amiens Street.
I can confirm that local closed circuit television has been checked as part of the Garda investigation.
