Antisocial Behaviour

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 January 2023

Thursday, 19 January 2023

Questions (33, 37, 48, 82, 102)

Jim O'Callaghan

Question:

33. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport if any discussions have taken place between his Department, Dublin Bus and the Luas on public order and safety on their services. [2221/23]

James Lawless

Question:

37. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Transport if any discussions have taken place regarding public order and safety with Dublin Bus, Bus Éireann and rail service providers, given the recent antisocial behaviour on public transport servicing Kildare North. [2223/23]

Jim O'Callaghan

Question:

48. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport if any discussions have taken place with the Minister for Justice regarding safety and public order on board transport services. [2220/23]

John Lahart

Question:

82. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Transport he action being taken to protect female bus drivers given the rise of antisocial behaviour and intimidation on bus routes. [2271/23]

John Lahart

Question:

102. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Transport if he has had discussions with Dublin Bus in relation to the suspension of services on the 27, 65b and 77a routes. [2272/23]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 33, 37, 48, 82 and 102 together.

As the Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operation and provision of public transport.

While the safety and security of both public transport passengers and staff is of utmost importance, arrangements to deal with anti-social behaviour on public transport are matters which first and foremost must be managed by each public transport company, in conjunction with An Garda Síochána where appropriate. Decisions regarding a transport police unit and the allocation of Garda resources are matters for the Minister of Justice and the Garda Commissioner. The National Transport Authority (NTA) is further engaged with public transport operators regarding the issue of anti-social behaviour.

My Department has also been engaging directly with the NTA and the PSO operators on the issue of anti-social behaviour and in relation to ensuring the safety of passengers and staff. In their responses, operators stressed their strong and close working relationships with An Garda Síochána in relation to these issues. I further understand that Dublin Bus are engaging with trade union representatives and An Garda Síochána concerning the ongoing issues with regard to service provision in West Tallaght.

As such, the issues raised by the Deputies are operational matters for the respective individual transport operators and I have therefore forwarded their questions to Iarnród Éireann, Bus Éireann, Dublin Bus, and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (who manages the contract with Transdev - the operator of the LUAS) for more detailed reply.

Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.