Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I agree that the safety and security of public transport passengers and staff are critical matters that first and foremost must be managed by every transport company, working with An Garda Síochána, where appropriate. There are currently no plans to develop an overarching public transport security strategy. My Department and the National Transport Authority engage regularly with the public transport operators on the issue of security and ensuring the safety of passengers and staff. The NTA has established a working group on antisocial behaviour, which meets monthly to discuss any developing trends and share best practices.

Further, each of the operators has its own safety and security policies in place to deal with issues such as antisocial behaviour and they have introduced a number of initiatives in recent years to help combat the issue. These include increased investment in CCTV, text alert systems and joint initiatives with An Garda Síochána such as Operation Twin Tracks. There has been a 50% increase in spending on rail security in the past five years, from €3.7 million in 2016 to €5.7 million last year. Additionally, as part of my Department's sustainable mobility plan, the NTA has committed to develop and publish an annual public transport passenger safety and personal security report, and to implement measures where appropriate.

It should also be noted that the NTA meets regularly with An Garda Síochána and operator security managers to improve the security measures across all public transport services. The combined interventions implemented to date across all public transport services have substantially helped to tackle antisocial behaviour. This issue will, however, require ongoing monitoring. As such, I am committed to working collectively with all stakeholders to ensure the safest possible travel environment for members of the public and the safest possible working environment for the employees who provide our valuable public transport services.

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