Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The UK has a separate transport police. I agree with the Minister that it is not a good idea for this country. It would create tensions for An Garda Síochána and the country is not large enough to have a separate independent police force for public transport. However, we need to look for a dedicated unit within An Garda Síochána. This is primarily a matter for the Government and the Minister for Justice. We have a recruitment crisis in An Garda Síochána and I understand why the Commissioner may be hesitant about committing to the establishment of another unit when he has many other demands on resources, but we need to recognise that to see the level of engagement and use of public transport that the Minister and everyone else in the House wants, we have to assure people that when they use it, particularly late at night or on routes some consider dangerous, they will be safe. Unless there is safety for users of public transport, we will not get the increase in usage of it.

See this speech in context