Victor Boyhan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

First, I thank the Minister for the comprehensive laying out in her statement in response to the issues centrally raised by the Private Members' business motion by Fianna Fáil. I commend them. I concur and agree with them. However we have to be consistent. One of the smallest lines at the back of their motion is to call for a dedicated transport unit of An Garda Síochána. They will recall that we had a number of debates on this. I proposed it and proposed amendments and I refer to the Irish Daily Mail on 5 September 2022, where there was a very strong case made by myself in relation to this matter. I made a very strong case on the basis of the report by Transport Infrastructure Ireland, TII, called Travelling in a Woman's Shoes, a very important report produced by Arup for the TII.We discussed it at great length and discussed the challenges, particularly the safety of women and also of men, of people, and of children. Let us be clear, everyone is a target in transport. I made a strong case and it was opposed by Fianna Fáil and by most members of the Government. There was a roll call taken that day. We had a subsequent debate when I raised it again and someone looked at me and said, "Surprise, surprise". That is the reality, they are the facts, that Fianna Fáil opposed it on a vote. Some of us were at the Association of Irish Local Government, AILG, event two weeks ago and talked about what might and what might not have happened in this House had we voted. Sometimes I wonder, as I go down the stairs and think I am wasting my time, but they all come home to roost. That is where we stand on this occasion. I am delighted there is a change of heart but they would want to read the transcript and about the people who spoke against it and the reasons they gave for opposing a designated Garda transport police. I talk about speaking with one voice. Subsequent to that, the now Taoiseach came out in favour of a policing unit. The Minister of State, Deputy Neal Richmond, came out strongly in favour of a dedicated An Garda Síochána transport police. After that, Deputy Alan Farrell came out strongly and yet somehow there is an inconsistency. The Government needs to speak with one voice and develop a clear strategy for a transport policing model. That is what is clear from all of this. The motion was rejected. I do not want to give a history lesson or read the list of the people who are on this list but who voted against it. If we are to be consistent, be consistent. Be fair. Do your homework. But to breeze in in less than 12 months and somehow discover that they are all converts to this new transport policing model, that is my point.