Jerry Buttimer (Cork South-Central, Fine Gael)

I again reassure Deputy Ó Muirí that security and the visibility of policing on the public transport system and in city centres is critical. He is correct that there needs to be a commitment from the operators on the northside piece. I reassure him that the Minister for Transport, the Department, the Minister of State, Deputy Canney, and I, as well as the Government, are acutely aware of how important it is for transport staff and the travelling public to feel safe. We are strongly committed to providing all citizens with reliable, realistic and safe sustainable mobility options, and public transport plays a key role in the delivery of this goal.

The NTA and An Garda Síochána work closely with all public transport operators, who take the safety and security of both passengers and staff very seriously, to promote order and safety on board. The Government is satisfied that each of the operators has increased its safety measures and introduced a number of initiatives in recent years to help to combat antisocial behaviour. For example, Irish Rail has contracted a security service provider for security across the network and developed a surge security action plan. It has also developed its relationship with An Garda Síochána to include access to 20 rapid response hubs that were created. The Luas has more than 50 full-time dedicated security staff, employed by Transdev, who work alongside revenue protection officers and customer assurance officers. Dublin Bus has three dedicated mobile security units that are in operation every day of the week, from midday to midnight.

What is important is that there is a commitment and engagement to reinforce the relationship between communities and An Garda Síochána. I reiterate the point about visibility. The Government fully supports this work and the ongoing engagement. We will continue to progress the legislation. I thank Deputy Ó Muirí for raising these concerns. I will convey the points he made to the relevant people.

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