James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I again thank Senator Clifford-Lee for bringing up this important matter. I will, of course, bring her concerns to the attention of both the Minister for Transport, Deputy Ryan, and the Minister for Justice, Deputy McEntee, in my own Department. On behalf of the Minister, Deputy McEntee, I thank the Senator for raising this important issue.

I understand that Garda management engages extensively on an ongoing basis with the transport operators, including the National Transport Authority, Irish Rail and TransDev Ireland which operates Luas, and provides a high visibility presence through a co-ordinated approach. Of course budget 2022 reflects this commitment with an unprecedented allocation of more than €2 billion in Garda funding for the coming year. This funding will include provision for an additional 800 new garda recruits and 400 garda staff which will help continue the actions of An Garda Síochána towards the civilianisation of An Garda Síochána and moving gardaí from desk duty back onto front line services.