Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 December 2023
409. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Justice the number of reported assaults on public transport vehicles and in public transport properties in 2019, 2022 and 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56197/23]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána including all operational policing matters.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that it is not possible to provide an accurate number of reported assaults on public transport as the PULSE system does not have a specific location type for public transport providers.
I am assured that a range of regional and local operations have been put in place by Gardaí to prevent and detect criminal activity on public transport. For example, Operation Saul is implemented across the Dublin Region. The aim of Operation Saul is to provide a safe environment for commuters utilising 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.
On Thursday 16 November 2023, a day of action was held in Dublin in collaboration with the Rail Safety Partnership under the auspices of Operational Saul. The operational objective of the operation was achieved by co-ordinating and managing resources in the DMR to deliver both an overt and covert policing response on board Bus, Luas, Dart and Train services, and at Transport Centres within the DMR.
Routine patrols by members assigned to beat, pedal cycle and mobile patrols at Luas, Bus, Dart and Train Stops were key to achieving the objectives on the day. This strategy constitutes a focused and driven proactive policing operation to counteract criminals and reinforce good public relations. Each Division appointed an Inspectors to co-ordinated policing activities on the day. The operation was a success with a number of arrests and prosecutions arising out of the joint operation.
