Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 September 2022
1401. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice if she and or her officials have engaged with Garda management and or the PSNI in respect of establishing a service similar to the Safe Transport Team in Northern Ireland. [42867/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, including decisions with regard to the establishment of new units. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.
I can inform the Deputy that the Commissioner has currently no plans to introduce a dedicated transport police unit. I can also inform the Deputy that I nor my officials have had engagement with Garda management or the PSNI with regard to establishing a service similar to the Safe Transport Team in Northern Ireland
I can however assure the Deputy that An Garda Síochána's mission of 'Keeping People Safe' extends to all areas of our communities, including public transport. Garda management also engages 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 our public transport networks through a co-ordinated approach.
I am informed that Garda dispatch staff have relocated to the National Train Control Centre in Heuston Station since mid-August, which will further strengthen the links between Gardaí and public transport operators.
In addition, in January 2022, to further support, enhance and strengthen the strategic and operational objectives of Operation Citizen in Dublin, the Gardaí launched Operation Saul. This operation is designed to provide a safe environment for commuters using public transport services in Dublin together with reassuring 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 the Dublin Metropolitan Region South Central, North Central and South Divisions, however, plans are underway to extend this operation to the entire Dublin Region. For the period 31 January 2022 to the 30 August, 2022, there were are a total of 3,725 incidents, 90 crime and 3,635 non-crime recorded under Operation Saul on the Garda PULSE System.
It is furthermore acknowledged that CCTV can play an important role in the detection of illicit behaviour on public transport. An Garda Síochána have excellent relationships with the public transport providers and good quality CCTV across the networks already assists with relevant Garda investigations.
The Deputy may also be aware of An Garda Siochana’s Operation Twin Tracks. This is 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 Dublin and nationwide, and to deliver crime prevention advice.
There was two days of action under Operation Twin Tracks this summer, the most recent of which was 29 July with Gardaí patrolling the DART, Luas and eight inter-city rail routes to prevent and detect anti-social behaviour.
