Emer Currie (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am at a massive disadvantage in that I have not heard any of this debate, but I did want to contribute to it. The area I represent is Dublin West and Dublin 15. We have the train line and we have buses.Nobody is in any doubt about the increase in antisocial behaviour on public transport. There have been ongoing issues in Pelletstown, Ashtown and Castleknock. It is a recurring theme for any local policing forum or justice and policing committee. I commend the community gardaí on their engagement locally with communities, their attentiveness and their ongoing patrols in the area. It is not an easy job.

Transport units seem to work well in other countries. We are at a worrying stage in regard to antisocial behaviour, both for staff and for the people who are choosing not to use public transport because of the behaviour. It is an issue that can be seasonal in certain areas. In January, we are beginning to think about the summer. There must be preparation from the spring onwards not just for antisocial behaviour on public transport but also the criminal activity that is connected with it, involving travelling gangs, burglaries, theft and drug use.

Another issue relates to resources within the Garda. I feel for the Minister of State at this time. The Department has made this issue a priority and there are significant identified targets that must be met. There is a high level of trust in and respect for the Garda Síochána, which I desperately want to see maintained. That will require the continual resourcing of and support for the force. We have to think about how to make being a garda attractive. There have been many reports in the media recently of young gardaí leaving the force after a couple of years for jobs in the private sector. I have heard about instance of this from people to whom I have spoken. We need to look at how we protect the role of garda, which has always been a vocation and seen as a job for life, through pay and pension provisions and better working conditions. One of the issues that has been mentioned to me concerns making rosters more consistent in order that people can plan ahead, have security and achieve a work-life balance. They need to know what it looks like to have a life outside of work. The provision of body cameras is another recurring issue. There is widespread support for their use and everyone is keen to see that implemented.

There is ongoing advertising of positions in the Garda. How we brand one of the most important jobs in the country is really important. Members of the force saw us through the Covid period and they are essential to us on the front line. That needs to be borne in mind whenever the roles are advertised. We must maintain the levels of trust and respect people have for the Garda. That is precious and there must be investment in maintaining it. At the moment, all we are hearing about, which is understandable, is the increase in antisocial behaviour. We must remind everyone of the importance of being a garda and the role gardaí play in our communities. They must be given the continuing respect they deserve.

There is a concern that if a transport unit is set up, it will involve pulling resources from situations elsewhere in which gardaí are already struggling. We need to look at the idea of a transport unit in response to the acute issues that are happening, but we must look at the issue from a holistic perspective, taking account of how the justice system is working. We certainly must focus on resources in general and supporting the people who are so important to our communities and to our work in the Oireachtas.