Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 July 2023
852. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice if she will report on Garda Operation Saul; the number of persons arrested and charged to date; the number of successful convictions obtained under this operation to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36462/23]
View answerThe safety and security of both public transport passengers and staff, including arrangements to deal with anti-social behaviour, are important matters that must be managed by every public transport company, in conjunction with An Garda Síochána where appropriate.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management of An Garda Síochána, including all Garda operations. As Minister, I am unable to direct the Commissioner in regards to deployment of resources.
The Deputy will also be aware that management of the courts, including operational matters and logistical functions, are the responsibility of the judiciary and Courts Service, which are independent in exercising their functions under the Courts Service Act 1998 and given the separation of powers in the Constitution. The Courts Service has a dedicated email address for the provision of information to members of the Houses of the Oireachtas: oireachtasenquiries@courts.ie
Garda Operation Saul is implemented across the Dublin Region. The aim of Operation Saul is to provide a safe environment for commuters using all public transport services in the DMR together with reassuring the citizens, visitors and the business community in Dublin is a safe place in which to visit, socialise, conduct business and enjoy all its amenities. Operation Saul involves the effective management and planned delivery of all working resources in the DMR to ensure the delivery both an overt and covert policing response on board Bus, Luas, Dart and Train services to effectively tackle anti-social behaviour, public order and criminal activity, on a daily basis.
Under Operation Saul, each Chief Superintendent within the DMR ensures continued collaboration with key transport stakeholders and providers along with Local Authorities to ensure an integrated approach at Key High Risk periods of the year identified in the DMR Roads Policing Plan.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that for the period 01 January 2023 - 30 June 2023, the latest date for which figures are available, there were are a total of 3,029 incidents recorded on the Garda PULSE System associated with Operation Saul. Of these incidents 2,954 were non-crime and 75 were crimes that are either under active investigation or have resulted in accused persons appearing before the Criminal Courts. A total of 49 charges/summons were preferred during the first 6 months of 2023, as well as a small number of Adult cautions and Juvenile referrals.
A new Garda Síochána DMR Control Centre based at the National Train Control Centre at Heuston Station in Dublin was opened earlier this year. This state-of-the art new premises, which will house the operations of call takers and dispatchers, is another step forward in modernising An Garda Síochána and strengthening links with public transport operators.
This call and dispatch centre, located on a floor in the new National Train Control Centre in Heuston Station, is the nerve centre to Garda operations in the Dublin Metropolitan region and the personnel working there are the people at the frontline taking sometimes the most challenging and time-sensitive calls.
The location of An Garda Síochána, Iarnród Éireann and Dublin City Council control centres in the same building will help Gardaí to build upon the already excellent relationships they have with public transport providers, particularly in the event of serious emergencies requiring coordinated responses.
