Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Deputy for his support for this initiative. It is important we ensure there is safety on our public transport network right across the country. I want to assure him that we are actively progressing the legislative proposals required to deliver on the programme for Government commitment to establish that transport security force.

I have worked very closely with the NTA. I met its chairperson this week and this will form part of the agenda. The work involves careful and informed consideration of the most appropriate model for the force.

I am bottoming that out right now. We have looked at the options and we have key stakeholders engaged, including the NTA, operators, trade unions, passenger groups, An Garda Síochána and the Department of justice. I have met all these groups. I nave met the Minister for justice, Deputy Jim O'Callaghan, on this issue too. Since assuming office, collectively, I think I have met all those stakeholders at least twice. Another meeting is scheduled very shortly to get a progress update.

We will deliver this. It will operate under the NTA, with powers similar to those held by the airport police and customs officers. Other additions are required, because if we look at the airport police, in particular, that force operates on a specific campus. A transport security force would be able to pursue and would have to be able to detain. We will have to work very closely with An Garda Síochána as well. The Garda has been very successful over the past 18 months in Operation Saul with the number of arrests and convictions the Garda has made, and this operation is specifically focused on our public transport network. I commend the Garda on the work it has done.

We are working to a tight enough timeframe. We will need legislation to come into the House. We will have to consolidate many of the by-laws that already exist. That is a piece of work that is being done right now. Timeframe-wise, and I think I have said it before, I would love to have the legislation passed by the end of next year with the co-operation of the House. If we can do it sooner, it will require pre-legislative scrutiny in the Joint Committee on Transport.

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