Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 13 Mar 1990

Vol. 396 No. 9

Written Answers. - Public Service Vehicle Inspectors.

Eric J. Byrne

Ceist:

120 Mr. Byrne asked the Minister for Justice the type of control and supervision which exists and the number of public service vehicle inspectors operating in the Dublin metropolitan district on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights; and if he is satisfied that there are sufficient staff monitoring the activities of illegal taxi operators, particularly in relation to over-charging and the suitability of the taxi fleet, as they are empowered to do under section 20 of the Road Traffic Act, 1961.

Eric J. Byrne

Ceist:

121 Mr. Byrne asked the Minister for Justice, having regard to the phenomenal increase in motor vehicle accidents requiring the services of public service vehicle staff, the number of public service staff which are available for this work; if they work over weekends; and whether he has any plans to replace the shortfall in staff numbers at the Carriage Office to provide an efficient service.

Minister for Justice (Mr. Burke)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 120 and 121 together.

All members of the Garda Síochána have a responsibility for enforcing the traffic laws, including the legislation pertaining to taxis. This is not the sole responsibility of the Dublin Carriage Office staff. The office in question has a strength of two sergeants and 14 gardaí. It is open to the public from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday, but one sergeant and seven gardaí who are attached to that office, work a seven day roster from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. each day.

The Garda authorities are considering the transfer of additional members of the force to the carriage office.