asked the Minister for Justice whether he is aware that a pedestrian was seriously injured at Nile Lodge, Galway City, by a motor car driven by a visitor from a country where traffic keeps to the right-hand side, that the traffic regulation in the visitor's country was offered by the Garda Síochána as a reason for not prosecuting the motorist and if he will state whether a directive in the matter has been issued to the Garda Síochána; and, if so, whether he will ensure that such directive is withdrawn in the interests of road users generally.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Road Traffic Regulations.
A directive has not been issued to the Garda Síochána to have regard to the traffic rules of other countries when considering whether foreign visitors should be prosecuted in respect of accidents. I am informed that a prosecution was not instituted in the case referred to for the reason that there was no evidence to show that the driver of the car was in any way to blame.
Is the Minister satisfied that the Guards decided not to prosecute because they were of opinion that the district justice would not convict owing to the traffic rules obtaining in the visitors' country?
No. My report is that the Guards decided not to prosecute on the ground that there was no evidence against the driver.