Emer Higgins (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Boyhan has made a really good point. To reiterate, the creation of the transport security force is a priority for the Government. As the Senator has said, it is important to note the introduction of the force is going to require the development of legislation which, as all of us in this House know, may take significant time. Nonetheless, the Government's commitment to delivering a safe and secure public transport network and the outgoing interim work on public transport safety will continue, as will the continued support and funding for operator measures, such as the recent extension of the Dublin Bus security pilot scheme.Across the network, all public transport operators are continuing to extend significant resources. We have fully fitted CCTV cameras, text alert systems and control centres, all of which have been introduced recently.

Regarding city and county councillors, I know the Tallaght community forum is in operation when it comes to bus services there. City and county councillors have a role in that.

The Senator is right that this issue needs to be reviewed at a broader level. The Minister of Transport was previously the Minister with responsibility for local government and I am sure, given that background, that he will be willing to take the Senator's feedback on board. I will pass it along.