Aidan Davitt (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Antisocial behaviour on public transport has long been a scourge. It inhibits getting more people onto public transport. According to one of the transport unions, it is also driving good, hardworking people away from working in public transport. I have written to the Minister for Transport, Deputy Eamon Ryan, proposing that all members of An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces should be given free travel on all forms of public transport. In itself, this will not stamp out antisocial behaviour. However, an increase in the number of members of An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces on public transport will inhibit antisocial behaviour. It will also take thousands of cars out of our cities where they are parked all day using up valuable space that the Office of Public Works could use. I hope the Leader will discuss this matter with the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste and the Minister for Transport. If the political will is there, this would have many benefits and, I hope, increase the use of public transport, which is one of the key objectives of the Government. I am sure the Leader, as a former member of the Reserve Defence Force, will have views on this matter.