Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 September 2015
359. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will consider establishing a Dublin transport police force to police the capital's public transport services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32824/15]
View answerWhile I am in regular contact with the Garda Commissioner about all aspects of policing and community safety, the specific deployment of policing resources is a matter for the Garda Commissioner, as is the question on ongoing engagement with public transport operators in relation to the security and safety of the travelling public.
Insofar as the general approach to tackling these issues are concerned, I am advised that Garda management engages extensively with transport operators in the Dublin area and a range of regional and local operations have been put in place as required to address issues that have arisen at specific locations. Instances of crime and anti-social behaviour are monitored by local Garda management with the assistance of Garda Síochána Analysis Service, which results in periodic operations aimed at anti-social behaviour on and around public transport routes. I am further advised that there is effective communication with the respective control centres and that access to good quality CCTV has also been of great assistance in the investigation of complaints.
Having regard to the above, I have no plans to establish a separate transport police service for the Dublin area and investment is instead being made in enhancing the resources available for policing generally. As the Deputy will be aware, the resumption of Garda recruitment and the deployment of newly attested Gardaí is a key component in improving public safety throughout the country and the increased resources which are now coming on stream will undoubtedly benefit policing in relation to transport services in Dublin and in other areas.
