Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I acknowledge the role the unions have played in this. They have made strong representations and represented well on this issue. They have prompted a response from my Department and the transport companies. I absolutely agree with the Deputy in deploring those incidents to which she referred. I can only quote the statistics which I have given about the attacks. Any attack, however, is one too many. I do not think the statistics are valuable in this case because, although it is reducing in some of the transport companies, it is unacceptable. We will not be happy in any way until this is addressed and sorted.

Following representations from the NBRU, my Department wrote to the three CIÉ companies to get their views on the issue of anti-social behaviour, as well as ensuring the safety of both passengers and staff. All companies stressed their strong and close working relationships with An Garda Síochána.

I also contacted the Minister for Justice and Equality to seek his views on how we could address the issue of anti-social behaviour on our public transport system. 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 understand that An Garda Síochána has met the Railway Safety Advisory Council on the issue of anti-social behaviour on our public transport network.

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