Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Leas-Cheann Comhairle and the Ceann Comhairle for facilitating us in this matter. The timing was critical because there has been much adverse publicity in recent days about the Tallaght region. It is very important that we make the point that this is not just about Tallaght. We are very sensitive about the image being created of Tallaght, but these problems need to be addressed. Deputy Crowe and I attended the Dublin Bus community forum in Killinarden Enterprise Centre this morning. The Garda representation was headed by the superintendent and the local inspector. Dublin Bus management and unions and members of the community were also there. We all made the point that action must be taken.

If there are problems on our buses, Dublin Bus has a duty to ensure that the bus service is preserved and protected on behalf of the local community. It is not good enough to take the easy option every time a problem occurs. The people of Tallaght will not tolerate this situation and they want their bus service protected and preserved. We are raising this matter tonight to tell the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to allow the Garda to maintain vigilance and take new actions for our bus service in Tallaght.

I compliment all of my colleagues who attended this morning's meeting. It was tense but we did much good work and I compliment everyone involved, including the Garda, Dublin Bus management and unions and the members of the community. We are all united on this issue. We are fighting to ensure that the bus service is protected. There have been a number of unfortunate incidents in recent weeks. A few weeks ago, the bus services were withdrawn from a point west of the Square because of difficulties. A serious incident occurred last Friday and I am sorry that the young man was identified by some of the media today. His family is anxious to maintain a low profile while he recovers. We send him our best wishes and hope that he makes a good recovery. The incident highlights the difficulties that we are having. Resources must be made available to the Garda to allow it to work with Dublin Bus to ensure the continuation of bus services in Tallaght and to protect the service on behalf of the community.

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