Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 350: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will liaise with the Department of Justice and Equality on bringing new legislation forward targeting anti-social behaviour on public transport that is directed at both commuters and public transport workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21748/11]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The question of bringing forward new legislation in relation to anti-social behaviour generally is a matter in the first instance for my colleague the Minister for Justice and Equality.

The Light Railway (Regulation of Travel and Use) Bye-laws 2004 (S.I. No. 100 of 2004) were made by the Railway Procurement Agency under section 66 of the Transport (Railway Infrastructure) Act 2001 (as amended). This Statutory Instrument sets out by-laws for the regulation of travel on Luas, including prohibited acts such as acting in a manner that is abusive, threatening or offensive to any person. Similarly, section 22 of the Transport Act 1950 gives CIÉ the power to make by-laws and section 28 of the Transport (Re-organisation of CIÉ) Act 1986 provides that CIÉ's powers can be exercised on behalf of the subsidiary companies. The most recent by-laws relating to Dublin Bus and Iarnród Éireann are S.I. No. 394 of 1996 and S.I. No. 109 of 1984 respectively. These by-laws provide for the regulation of travel and use of the services provided by Dublin Bus and Iarnród Éireann and the maintenance of order on these services. The regulation of passenger behaviour in the case of Bus Éireann services is governed by the Road Traffic Acts.

The safety and security of passengers and staff including arrangements to deal with anti-social behaviour is a matter for the relevant transport operators in conjunction, as appropriate, with the Garda Síochána. I have referred the Deputy's question to the Railway Procurement Agency and CIÉ for direct reply. Please advise my private office If you do not receive a reply within ten working days.