asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware of the widespread concern of residents and business people in the North Strand/ Ballybough areas and other parts of Dublin about the absence of Gardaí on foot patrol in the manner practised for many years; and if he will arrange for more adequate policing of these areas.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Garda Foot Patrols.
148.
The present arrangements of patrols in the Dublin Metropolitan Division provide for foot patrols in all areas and these have been strengthened in recent years by additional patrols by Gardaí in motor cars and on motor cycles. I consider that these arrangements make for the most effective use of the Force in providing beat coverage by foot and mobile patrols.
Would the Minister again consider the possibility of appointing traffic wardens for the purpose of enforcing parking regulations and thereby releasing members of the Garda Síochána whose time is now taken up with a duty which gives rise to a good deal of antagonism between the law-abiding citizens and the Garda and release those Gardaí for beat purposes? This would create a sense of security among the public and I think would undoubtedly greatly mitigate the kind of offence referred to in Deputy Byrne's question?
That would require legislation and the question of providing for it in legislation is under active consideration at the moment.
It is wonderful how long it takes to teach you how to do things.
This proposal came to me from within my own Department. I am not aware that it was ever advanced by a member of the Opposition. We thought of it ourselves.
Does the Minister really say this proposal was originally formulated in his Department? May I refer him to the debates of this House when it was urged upon him strongly from these benches that the enforcing of parking regulations by the Garda was undesirable and could best be done by traffic wardens, thus removing one cause of friction between the Garda and law-abiding citizens?
The present proposal which we are considering was thought of by ourselves.
And you have it in cold storage ever since? That is the danger—that you might keep it there.
It is a very desirable reform.