Written Answers. - Bus and DART Route Vandalism.
Eamon Gilmore
Question:
39
Mr. Gilmore
asked the
Minister for Justice
if, in view of the high levels of attacks and vandalism on bus and DART routes in Dublin, and especially assaults on crews, she will consult with the Gardaí on the possible establishment of a special corps within the Gardaí, similar to the transport police operating in many other countries, to counter these attacks; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
I am of course appalled that hard working bus and train crews have on occasions been prevented from doing their jobs in safety and I have been informed by the Garda authorities that the problem of assaults and vandalism on the DART and Dublin buses is receiving special attention.
The Gardaí, Dublin Bus and Iarnród Éireann have been co-operating closely in this matter and arising out of recent concerns about incidents of assault and vandalism on Dublin buses the Garda authorities held a meeting on 18 March 1993 with the unions and management of Dublin Bus to discuss the problems involved. As a result of this an Inspector from each of the 17 Districts within the Dublin Metropolitan Area has been given special responsibility for maintaining contact with bus drivers operating in the area and for monitoring and dealing with incidents that occur within his/her operational area. A further meeting was held on 24 March 1993 at which developments were reported and it is intended that further meetings will be held as and when required.
In addition, on 2 April 1993 a meeting was held between Dublin Bus, the unions representing bus crews, senior members of the Gardaí and senior officials of my Department to discuss the measures taken by the Gardaí and suggestions from busworkers' unions in regard to the Garda response to this problem. The meeting also considered the effectiveness of existing legal sanctions in this area.
The Garda authorities are also monitoring the situation in relation to assaults and vandalism on the DART and continue to maintain close co-operation with Iarnród Éireann and hold meetings as required with a view to taking whatever action may be appropriate.
Measures which have been taken to deal with crimes of assault and vandalism on Dublin buses and the DART include intensive patrolling, both foot and mobile, of known trouble spots by Gardaí with particular attention being paid to late night services at weekends.
Dublin Bus and Iarnród Éireann also have a role to play in preventing incidents of assault and vandalism and have taken a number of measures in this area. I understand that Dublin Bus have engaged a person in a consultancy capacity to advise on security arrangements and that discussions are also currently taking place with the workers and unions on practices and procedures which will provide greater protection for workers. Measures already taken by Dublin Bus include constant radio communication between drivers and control headquarters. In addition, the practice of buses on certain routes being fitted with closed circuit TV for the purpose of surveillance and detection of criminal activity is being monitored and will, I understand, be extended to other areas in due course. In relation to Iarnród Éireann I understand that a private security company is employed to patrol DART services and this firm is in constant telephone contact with Iarnród Éireann's Central Control Unit. In addition, closed circuit TV with video facilities have been introduced at a number of locations and I understand it is the company's intention to extend these facilities to other locations, as resources permit.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that they are satisfied that the present arrangements in force are fully adequate to deal with the problem and it is not considered that any advantage would accrue from the setting up of a separate transport police. Indeed since the foundation of the State successive administrations have held the view that it was better to have one law enforcement agency for the whole jurisdiction rather than have a number of forces with separate mandates and administrations. The Garda authorities will of course continue to monitor the situation and will maintain close contact with both Dublin Bus and Iarnród Éireann with a view to taking whatever action may be appropriate to further alleviate the problem.
