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Anti-Social Behaviour

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 November 2019

Wednesday, 20 November 2019

Ceisteanna (273)

Maureen O'Sullivan

Ceist:

273. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the statistics on incidents of anti-social behaviour on DART services, particularly in the evening times post rush hour; his views on whether more robust measures need to be taken in conjunction with the recent text message report system such as dedicated patrols and increased security; and the way in which he will ensure persons are able to travel on public transport free of intimidation and unease. [47892/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The safety and security of public transport passengers and staff, including arrangements to deal with anti-social behaviour, are important matters that, first and foremost, must be managed by every public transport company, in conjunction with An Garda Síochána, where appropriate.

While the vast majority of public transport passenger journeys occur without incident, I am concerned to ensure that the necessary arrangements are in place to ensure the safety of all passengers and staff.

Following representations from the National Bus and Rail Union, my Department wrote to the three CIÉ companies, seeking their views both on the issue of anti-social behaviour and in relation to ensuring the safety of passengers and staff. All companies stressed their strong and close working relationships with An Garda Síochána.

I also wrote to the Minister for Justice and Equality in relation to the issue of anti-social behaviour on our public transport system. The allocation of all Garda resources, including the manner in which Garda personnel are deployed is solely a decision for the Garda Commissioner and his management team.

I understand that An Garda Síochána met with the Railway Safety Advisory Council (RSAC) in relation to the issue of anti-social behaviour on our public transport network and that further engagement and initiatives are planned. Following that engagement, I note and welcome the recent deployment of Gardaí to public transport locations and to DART, Luas and commuter rail services under ‘Operation Twintrack’.

Iarnród Éireann has advised that it has undertaken a range of measures and proposes further measures to address anti-social behaviour on the rail network, including increased security personnel, allowing for a doubling of security patrols, the introduction of Customer Service Officers on all Intercity routes and enhanced CCTV coverage.

As the Deputy is aware, a new text alert service has been introduced to enable customers to discretely report anti-social behaviour incidents and allow security personnel and/or Gardaí to be alerted and dispatched as required to an incident. The entire Intercity fleet is also equipped with CCTV and with communications buttons at doors.

Finally, the compilation of statistics on incidents of anti-social behaviour on DART services is an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.

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