asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware that the traffic school in Clontarf is on the verge of closing down because gardaí in charge have not as yet been granted a subsistence allowance of approximately £210 per annum; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Clontarf Traffic School.
9.
A deputation from the Dublin Road Safety Council had discussions with representatives of my Department on 4th February on the problems that have arisen in relation to the traffic school in Clontarf. The proposals which they put forward at the meeting are under examination.
Might I ask the Minister if he is aware that 20,000 school children used the traffic school in Clontarf last year and that the estimated figure this year is 30,000? Is he aware that the amount involved here is roughly £210 a man? Is he further aware that the corporation were quite prepared to pay the gardaí this extra money? Is he aware further that the Department of Local Government had agreed to recoup the corporation for this? Could the Minister tell me also if the running of this school is merely dependent on a small amount of money, such as £210 for two men who are dedicated to it? Could he make a hasty decision on this one, please?
I am aware that a number of matters have arisen in connection with the running of this school. I will not go so far as to confirm that everything that Deputy Briscoe said is a matter of concern. What I did say in my reply was that a deputation from the Road Safety Council met with my Department on the 4th February. I am very keen to see the work of this school continue. That meeting was arranged as a result of that keenness and I am hopeful that the matter will be settled satisfactorily.
I wonder would the Minister consider extending this service to other areas, not alone Dublin city. We have one centre only in Clontarf. The south side urgently needs——
I am sorry, Deputy, the question refers to Clontarf. We cannot have an extension of this question.
Would the Minister not consider, in association with the Minister for Local Government, providing facilities for the training of school children?
The Deputy is extending the matter.
The centre is set up and operated under the auspices of the Department of Local Government. If the Deputy puts down a question to the Minister for Local Government and the Minister sees fit to set up another centre, I shall be pleased, so far as the gardaí are concerned, to co-operate.