Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 June 2023
884. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Justice if a dedicated Garda liaison officer exists to investigate complaints of assault against taxi drivers and to liaise generally with the taxi industry on safety matters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27530/23]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including Garda HR matters and the investigation of crime. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.
An Garda Síochána is fully committed to investigating all incidents of crime and public disorder which occur on public transport networks, including taxis, and ensuring that all policing activity is victim centred.
I am informed that there is no unique reporting mechanism available to taxi drivers other than the standard reporting channels, information on which is available here: www.garda.ie/en/victim-services/reporting-a-crime-faqs/.
All reports regarding criminal offences should be reported to local Gardaí as soon as possible, whether by contacting 999/112 or by visiting the closest Garda station. A declaration of theft can also be made through the Garda website.
I am also informed that An Garda Síochána does engage with representatives of the taxi industry through the Advisory Committee on Small Public Service Vehicles (SPSVs). However, this forum does not provide a separate method through which all taxi drivers can report individual incidents for investigation. A Superintendent from the Garda National Roads Policing Bureau is the Garda Representative for this Committee.
Crime Prevention Officers are located in each Division and can provide Crime Prevention and Safety advice to all, including Taxi Drivers, as part of their role. Details of Divisional Crime Prevention Officers can be located on the Garda website here: Who is my local Crime Prevention Officer? - Garda (www.garda.ie/en/crime-prevention/who-is-my-local-crime-prevention-officer-/).
In addition to the advice that can be provided by local Crime Prevention Officers, there are a number of crime prevention leaflets which are available to the public and accessible on the Garda Website.
