Martin Kenny (Sligo-Leitrim, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The situation in west Tallaght is an example of the kind of problems we have. Many people depend on having a proper public transport system to be able to get to work and do their normal day-to-day business. We are encouraging people, especially those who live in urban areas, to use public transport but we find it often arrives late. Buses, in particular, have huge problems with delays. It is expensive for many people. People find it unsafe to use public transport, especially in the evening. This has gone on for a considerable length of time. The transport unions have stated that staff are under serious pressure. Staff have been injured, badly attacked and abused. The Minister of State said there is additional expenditure on security measures, but the problem is that private security companies do not have the power to deal with these incidents. The only people who have the power to deal with these incidents are members of An Garda Síochána. While they may get on public transport, including buses, trains and trams, on an ad hocbasis, they are not there permanently and that needs to change.

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