Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I recognise the urgency but I am not going to put an absolute timeline on it because that is particularly difficult, especially if it was decided, and it has not been, that primary legislation would be necessary. The Senator can be reassured that the urgency is something we have already recognised. As I told her, I have asked my Department to engage with Iarnród Éireann and the Railway Safety Advisory Council to examine the evidence. Pending the outcome of this engagement, I will engage with the Minister for Justice and Equality, if necessary, and we will take any action which we think is necessary in the meantime.

Additional summer staffing is in place to enhance staff coverage. In addition, Iarnród Éireann has advised that it has outlined proposals to trade unions to enhance staffing onboard trains, with the deployment of full-time customer service officers across intercity services. This will mean that where currently trains can be driver-only there is a customer service presence - a deterrent to anti-social behaviour - onboard. Iarnród Éireann has advised that it is keen to secure trade union agreement to progress this and commence recruitment. The Senator can be absolutely assured that Iarnród Éireann, the Department of Justice and Equality and my Department will be extremely vigilant on this particular issue.