Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 22 June 2023
31. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has had discussions with the Department of Justice and An Garda Síochána relating to ensuring sufficient policing of public transport during the busy summer period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30133/23]
View answer42. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport if he has had discussions with public transport providers on ensuring public order and safety of passengers onboard their services during the busy summer period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30134/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 31 and 42 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 of public transport.
The safety and security of public transport passengers and staff are matters for the individual public transport companies in conjunction with, as appropriate, An Garda Síochána. Decisions regarding the policing of public transport and the allocation of Garda resources are matters for the Minister of Justice and the Garda Commissioner.
Previously, my predecessor wrote to the Minister for Justice to seek their views on how the issue of anti-social behaviour on our public transport system could be best addressed. In their response, the Department of Justice advised that the views of An Garda Síochána are that effective local community policing can meet the policing needs of the public transport network and that the Garda authorities do not propose to establish a specialist or dedicated transport policing unit at this time.
While arrangements to deal with the safety and security of both public transport passengers and staff are operational matters which must be managed by each operating company, my Department nonetheless engages regularly with the National Transport Authority and public transport operators in relation to the safety and security of the network. Throughout these discussions, companies have continuously stressed their strong and close working relationships with An Garda Síochána in relation to these issues.
The NTA, for its part, engages directly with operators through its monthly Working Group on Antisocial Behaviour, and has committed to develop and publish an annual ‘Public Transport Passenger Safety and Personal Security Report’ under my Department’s Sustainable Mobility Policy.
Additionally, each of the operators regularly update my Department on measures that they have introduced to deal with safety and security issues, including: increased employee training, expanded CCTV (with the entire Dublin Bus fleet now fully fitted with cameras, both internal and external), text alert systems, and joint initiatives with An Garda Síochana.
While these measures are yielding results, safety and security on public transport remains an issue which will require continued joint action. As Minister, I will continue to work closely with stakeholders to ensure the safest possible travel environment for members of the public, and safest possible working environment for the employees providing our valuable public transport services.
