Lorraine Clifford-Lee (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Before I address the matter I planned to raise, I want to express solidarity with the people of Ukraine. We all woke up to the horrifying news that an invasion had occurred overnight. I send my solidarity to the Ukrainian ambassador, all Ukrainian nationals living in Ireland and everyone living in Ukraine, including Irish people who are still within the country's borders.

I thank the Minister of State for coming to the House to address my Commencement matter. I had directed it at the Department of Transport but I understand it was transferred to the Department of Justice for a response. A feasibility study on a dedicated transport police service needs to be carried out by the Department of Transport because it is an integral part of how we move forward with sustainable transport options. Intimidation and violence on our public transport services are widespread, in particular in Dublin, unfortunately. There have been various high-profile incidents. One in north Dublin springs to mind.

Unions representing transport workers have called for a dedicated transport police service for years because their workers feel intimidated while driving buses and trains. Over half of Irish women avoid public transport after dark and fear for their safety. The Travelling in a Woman's Shoes report found that women felt heavily responsible for their own safety while on public transport. These feelings are pushing women into cars and unsustainable transport modes or are keeping them away from travel and accessing health, education and social and cultural opportunities. That is highly regrettable. As we move forward, make Ireland a more sustainable place to live and provide sustainable transport options to all communities, a feasibility study needs to begin so that we can plan to ensure that all members of society feel safe and comfortable travelling on public transport.

Women in Dublin, in particular, feel very vulnerable to sexual harassment and assault while travelling on public transport. That is borne out by the findings of the Travelling in a Woman's Shoes report. Women are particularly vulnerable to verbal harassment and they have witnessed violent behaviour while on public transport. This issue will only get bigger and bigger as our population grows.

As I said, trade unions are in favour of having a transport police service to ensure everybody, including workers and those travelling on public transport, are safe. We are building housing, including apartment dwellings, with limited car parking spaces. People will not have the option to use private transport. We need to examine this issue in a holistic way. I know the work the Department of Justice is undertaking to make this country safer for women, which includes examining every aspect of that. I would appreciate if the Minister of State could give thought to this matter and include it in his deliberations prior to putting together a safety plan for women. I also ask him to liaise with the Minister for Transport, Deputy Eamon Ryan, on the matter.