Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Minister says he has responsibility for policy. The policy of ensuring the security of passengers using public transport and the staff working thereon should be key. The Minister has responsibility to ensure appropriate action is taken. It is not that he can prosecute somebody caught acting in an anti-social manner or who has assaulted somebody but he can prevent this behaviour on public transport.

The Minister said it is the responsibility of the Minister for Justice and Equality and that it is a decision for the Garda Commissioner but, in respect of the Judicial Appointments Commission Bill and the reopening of Stepaside Garda station, he had no problem in expressing his tuppence worth on their responsibilities. Therefore, I ask him to take on board what the union and workers are saying, in addition what Deputy John Lahart and I are saying about passengers who are using public transport.

Only last week a senior citizen in my constituency who travelled from Connolly Station to Mullingar said she was relieved getting off at Mullingar train station because she was afraid on the train. That is not right. It is certainly not proper and the Minister is responsible for doing something about it. I hope he will.

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