John Lahart
Ceist:72. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Justice if there are any plans to set up a dedicated transport policing unit within An Garda Síochána; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26072/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 24 May 2022
Ceisteanna (72)
Freagraí scríofa
The Government is committed to ensuring that there is strong, visible policing in local communities. The resources provided by Government to An Garda Síochána have reached unprecedented levels, with an allocation of in excess of €2 billion in Budget 2022.
As the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of Garda business. Under Section 33 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Commissioner determines the deployment of An Garda Síochána throughout the State. As Minister, I have no role in these independent functions and am unable to seek to direct the Commissioner in such matters as establishing a unit of An Garda Síochána for any purpose.
I am assured that Garda management keeps the distribution of Garda members throughout the State under continual review in the context of policing priorities and crime trends, to ensure An Garda Síochána is optimally positioned to keep our communities safe.
I am advised that An Garda Síochána does not propose to establish a dedicated transport policing unit at this time. However, I can assure the Deputy that Gardaí employ a range of policing tools to respond to incidents involving anti-social behaviour on our public transport network.
In January 2022, to further support, enhance and strengthen the strategic and operational objectives of Operation Citizen in the Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR). Assistant Commissioner, DMR launched Operation Saul to provide a safe environment for commuters utilising public transport services in the DMR, together with reassuring the citizens, visitors and the business community in Dublin that it is a safe place in which to visit, socialise, conduct business and enjoy all its amenities.
Operation Saul currently operates in DMR South Central, North Central and South Garda Divisions, however plans are ongoing to extend this operation to the entire DMR Region. The aim of Operational Saul is to co-ordinate and manage all working resources in each Division to deliver both an overt and covert policing presence around the environs of Luas, DART and Bus services in Dublin on a regular and, where necessary, daily basis.
Each Chief Superintendent in the DMR ensures regular collaboration under Operation Saul with partner transport agencies in order to ensure the success and sustainability of the initiative. Since the commencement of Operation Saul up to 18 May 2022, there have been a total of 2,171 patrols conducted and, up until 30 April 2022, over 2,100 incidents were recorded on PULSE associated with the Operation.
I am also informed by the Garda authorities that a range of regional and local operations have been put in place to prevent and detect criminal activity and anti-social behaviour on public transport. For example, Operation Twin Track was a Community Engagement and Rail Safety Policing Initiative conducted by Gardaí in partnership with other public transportation stakeholders with the purpose of providing high visibility policing of rail and light rail transport within the DMR and nationwide, and to deliver crime prevention advice.
A multi-agency review was conducted to examine the effectiveness of Operation Twin Track and it was agreed that An Garda Síochána will continue to proactively engage with public transportation stakeholders and providers to conduct further similar operations.
I can assure the Deputy that Garda management continues to engage extensively with transport operators, including the National Transport Authority, Irish Rail (DART and InterCity rail) and Transdev Ireland (Luas) to provide a high visibility presence on transport through a co-ordinated approach.