Mr. Stephen Millane:

It has escalated after Covid. Passengers may have rows with each other. These are not just vocal rows or arguments; they can become physical, with weapons. The bus driver, who may be female, is expected to intervene. All a driver can do is call the Garda.

Recruitment was mentioned. The staff turnover in Dublin Bus is huge. We have employed many people in the past 12 to 18 months. They go out the door as quickly as they come in, however, because they realise they will be driving in certain areas. Although Dublin Bus has had a recruitment drive, especially for females, drivers on certain routes, possibly working at night, commonly anticipate trouble as part of their day’s work. There is some fear of going to work. No employee should have to leave his or her house in the morning or afternoon and go to work fearing that something will happen.

The incidence has increased, and not just in the flashpoint areas. Antisocial behaviour can happen in town. There are certain drug routes on which people meet up on buses, do their transactions and get off. This needs to be tackled immediately. The Garda has a certain amount of resources but officers cannot be everywhere at once.