asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware that the official time-tables of most of the Road Transport Companies operating in the Saorstát involve an all-over speed for passenger omnibuses of more than twenty miles per hour, indicating a very much higher actual speed when allowance is made for stops; whether any steps are being taken to enforce the existing law; how many prosecutions for exceeding the speed limit and for overcrowding have been taken against motor omnibus companies during the past three months; and when he proposes to introduce legislation governing the effective control of traffic and the enforcement of regulations in the interest of the safety of the travelling public.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - ROAD TRANSPORT COMPANIES.
I am aware that certain omnibus companies operating in the Saorstát have public time-tables which necessitate drivers travelling at more than 20 miles per hour if they are to observe the scheduled times. Instructions have been issued to the Gárda Síochána that in such cases the proprietor of the vehicle should be summoned for aiding and abetting the offence of the driver. There were 317 prosecutions instituted in the past three months in respect of motor omnibuses; 211 for speeding and dangerous driving, and 106 for overcrowding. In addition to the foregoing, 160 prosecutions were instituted in the Metropolitan Division for breaches of the regulations made under the Dublin Traffic Act, 1875. The question as to what fresh legislation is necessary to deal with the proper control of public service vehicles and traffic generally is at present being considered by the Inter-Departmental Committee on Road Traffic.
Are we to understand that the report or recommendations of the Inter-Departmental Committee on Road Traffic will be submitted to the Dáil before being put into operation, or being put into the shape of a Bill, and will the House be given an opportunity of discussing the recommendations?
I would want notice of that question.