Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 September 2022
222. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he has consulted with the Minister for Justice and or Garda management in respect of the establishment of an exclusive Garda section to police the public transport network and public transport options. [42866/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operation of public transport.
While the safety and security of public transport passengers and staff are of utmost importance, they are matters first and foremost for the individual public transport companies in conjunction with, as appropriate, An Garda Síochána. Decisions regarding the establishment of a transport police unit and the allocation of Garda resources are matters for the Minister of Justice and the Garda Commissioner.
Previously, my predecessor wrote to the then Minister for Justice to seek their views on how the issue of anti-social behaviour on our public transport system could be best addressed. In their response, the Department of Justice advised that the views of An Garda Síochána are that effective local community policing can meet the policing needs of the public transport network and that the Garda authorities do not propose to establish a specialist or dedicated transport policing unit at this time.
