Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputies Troy and Lahart for raising a matter that is topical. This is an unusual occurrence in this House and it is very welcome that they are doing so.

As the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding for public transport. However, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The safety and security of passengers and staff, including arrangements to deal with anti-social behaviour on public transport, are matters for the operators, in conjunction with, as appropriate, An Garda Síochána. I am, however, concerned to ensure that the necessary arrangements are in place to ensure the safety of all passengers and staff travelling and working on our public transport network.

I am advised by the Department of Justice and Equality that there is a range of strong legislative provisions available to An Garda Síochána to combat anti-social behaviour, including provisions under the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Acts, the Criminal Damage Act and the Intoxicating Liquor Acts. An Garda Síochána remains committed to tackling public disorder and anti-social behaviour by working with communities to enhance safety.

There were 45.5 million passenger journeys in 2017 on Iarnród Éireann trains. The vast majority were without incident. However, I have been advised by Iarnród Éireann that the number of recorded anti-social incidents has risen in recent years; hence the concern expressed by the Deputies and others. Iarnród Éireann has been actively encouraging employees to report all safety critical issues, including threatening and violent behaviour. In the first nine months of this year, 584 incidents were recorded. However, Iarnród Éireann has advised that anti-social behaviour has receded significantly since the summer, when it would be typically at its highest level. Security patrols by the company have increased by 21.8% since 2016, and it has advised that it has enhanced general security cover and provides for enhanced security patrols for major events.

Iarnród Éireann liaises on a quarterly basis at a minimum with An Garda Síochána in major districts. In addition, there is ongoing liaison by the company with employees and their trade union representatives to assess reports of anti-social behaviour and direct security resources based on the issues reported. Closed circuit television, CCTV, is available on the vast majority of trains and has been used successfully numerous times in securing prosecutions. It is also in place in stations. In addition, Iarnród Éireann has advised that it has commenced the deployment of on-board customer services on intercity services. While the primary focus will be on customer service, the company will ensure a presence on these services to deter anti-social behaviour and to alert security or the Garda should urgent responses be required. Both Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann have stated the level of anti-social behaviour on their services is relatively low and note a declining trend, which is very positive. Both companies stress the strong and close working relationships with An Garda Síochána.

Following representations from the National Bus and Rail Union on the establishment of a dedicated police force for public transport, my Department wrote to Iarnród Éireann, Bus Éireann, Bus Átha Cliath and the Railway Safety Advisory Council to seek their views. Subsequent to that engagement, I contacted the Minister for Justice and Equality to seek his views as to how we might best address the issue. I have asked that the Minister consider this issue in conjunction with An Garda Síochána given that the allocation of all Garda resources, including the manner in which Garda personnel are deployed, is solely a decision for the Garda Commissioner and his management team. I will continue to work with the Minister for Justice to resolve this important issue.

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