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An Garda Síochána

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 April 2022

Tuesday, 26 April 2022

Questions (1308)

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

1308. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Justice if the possibility of establishing a dedicated unit in An Garda Síochána to tackle violence, intimidation and anti-social behaviour on public transport has been advanced and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21031/22]

View answer

Written answers

The resources provided by Government to An Garda Síochána have reached unprecedented levels, with an allocation of in excess of €2 billion in Budget 2022. This allocation provides for the recruitment of up to an additional 800 Garda members and 400 Garda staff. I note the strong interest in a career as a Garda member in the recent Garda recruitment campaign, with over 10,000 applications received. 

As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of Garda business. Under Section 33 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Commissioner determines the deployment of An Garda Síochána throughout the State. As Minister, I have no role in these independent functions and am unable to seek to direct the Commissioner in such matters, as establishing a unit of An Garda Síochána for any purpose. 

I am assured that Garda management keeps the distribution of Garda members throughout the State under continual review in the context of policing priorities and crime trends, to ensure An Garda Síochána is optimally positioned to keep our communities safe.

I am advised that An Garda Síochána do not propose to establish a dedicated transport policing unit at this time. 

I can however inform the Deputy that Garda management engages extensively with transport operators, including the National Transport Authority, Irish Rail (DART and InterCity rail) and Transdev Ireland (Luas) to provide a high visibility presence through a co-ordinated approach.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that a range of regional and local operations have been put in place to prevent and detect criminal activity and anti-social behaviour on public transport. For example, Operation Twin Track was a Community Engagement and Rail Safety Policing Initiative conducted by Gardaí in partnership with other public transportation stakeholders with the purpose of providing high visibility policing of rail and light rail transport within the Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR) and nationwide, and to deliver crime prevention advice.

A multi-agency review was conducted to examine the effectiveness of this operation and it was agreed that An Garda Síochána will continue to proactively engage with public transportation stakeholders and providers to conduct further similar operations.

For the Deputy's information, in January 2022, to further support, enhance and strengthen the strategic and operational objectives of Operation Citizen in the Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR). Assistant Commissioner, DMR launched Operation Saul to provide a safe environment for commuters utilising public transport services in the DMR together with reassuring the citizens, visitors and the business community in Dublin that it is a safe place in which to visit, socialise, conduct business and enjoy all its amenities. 

Operation Saul currently operates in DMR South Central, North Central & South Divisions, however, plans are ongoing to extend this operation to the entire DMR Region. 

The aim of Operational Saul is to co-ordinate and manage all working resources in each Division to deliver both an overt and covert policing presence around the environs of Luas, DART and Bus services in Dublin, on a regular and, where necessary, daily basis. I am advised that this will be achieved through the following measures;

- Allocating overt beat personnel to Luas, DART and Bus services to perform high visibility patrols to prevent and detect anti-social behaviour and public order offences.

- Reducing opportunities for anti-social behaviour while dealing proactively and professionally with any public order issues through a zero tolerance approach.

- Acting to prevent and detect crime, preserve the peace and minimise disruption to Luas, DART and Bus services.

- In partnership with partner agencies, An Garda Síochána deployed on duties under Operation Saul will achieve a common goal of making this service safe.

- Improve the quality of day to day life for local stakeholders, businesses and commuters of Luas, DART and Bus services.

- Issuing Anti-Social Behaviour Orders (ASBO) where appropriate.

- Issuing Fixed Charge Penalty Notices (FCPNs) in respect of certain offences, where detected and appropriate.

- Effecting arrests in appropriate circumstances.

- Record all patrols under Operation Saul with Superintendent, Communications Centre on CAD incident number.

Each Chief Superintendent in the DMR ensures regular collaboration under Operation Saul with partner agencies in order to ensure the success and sustainability of the initiative. Central to the success of this initiative is maintaining a strong partnership with transport partner agencies. Quarterly, if not more regular, meetings are required to take place between appropriate members of An Garda Síochána in each Division in the DMR to examine any issues and review existing approaches and to inform partner agencies on upcoming plans, operations and advancements in the area of managing these issues in the public transport sphere.

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