asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware of the big number of motor vehicles which are being used as small public service vehicles although not licensed for that purpose and which, consequently, have no insurance whatever; and what action he proposes to take on the matter.

I have no evidence that the position is as suggested in the question. I have no reason to doubt that the Garda Síochána institute proceedings against offenders when they have sufficient evidence to warrant their doing so.

The Deputy will, of course, appreciate that the Garda Síochána cannot prosecute merely on suspicion, however strong, and that the necessary proofs that the arrangement was made for reward are particularly difficult to obtain in the absence of an admission from the passenger or passengers concerned.