Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 January 2023
1063. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Justice his views on the need to collate data on the number of assaults perpetrated against transport workers, such as taxi drivers, bus drivers, and rail staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63187/22]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the Central Statistics Office (CSO), as the national statistical agency, is responsible for the compilation and publication of all crime statistics. The CSO produce statistics using data recorded on An Garda Síochána’s PULSE system and make regular releases under reservation in relation to various crime statistics, including recorded and detected crime. The categorisation of various crime statistics is primarily a matter for the CSO.
The safety and security of both public transport passengers and staff, including arrangements to deal with anti-social behaviour, are important matters that, first and foremost, must be managed by every public transport company, in conjunction with An Garda Síochána where appropriate.
Garda management engages extensively with transport operators to provide a high visibility presence through a co-ordinated approach. A range of regional and local operations have been put in place by Gardaí to prevent and detect criminal activity and anti-social behaviour on public transport. For example, Operation Saul is implemented across the Dublin Region with the aim of keeping people safe on public transport.
Any violence on any form of public transport is completely unacceptable. Such incidents not only injure the victims but communities as a whole. I want to make it very clear that criminality on public transport will not be tolerated and that this Government is committed to ensuring that An Garda Síochána has the resources it needs to keep the public safe.
