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

I will not reiterate the written response because it would be similar to the response I gave to Deputy O’Rourke. The role of my Department, as the Minister of State mentioned on another issue, is working with the NTA and operators. We meet them regularly. If there is an issue with security, reliability, getting workers or other things, while we do not run the bus service or train system, our aim is to make sure they deliver for the public the quality of service we expect.

The first principle is that people have to feel that they are secure and that they are in a safe place. Where there are problems, they are in specific localities or black spots. By and large, the vast majority of experience on our public transport system is safe, as people would attest. Where it is not, it is a matter not just for the Government. Local representatives have a critical role because they have knowledge and experience of what is happening and represent the local community best. For them to work with the operators and An Garda Síochána directly is the best approach.

What is happening in west Tallaght is totally unacceptable but the resolution to that provides a model that would apply elsewhere. It involves the application of Garda resources in conjunction with the operators, as well as the use of CCTV and other mechanisms. You cannot completely rely on that. CCTV does not protect the driver in the instant. He or she has to have the capability of calling in resources quickly. Our role is to make sure the resources are available. The Minister for Justice is also critical. The Department for Transport has responsibility. That is what we are doing. Communication of the public concern is the first stage.

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