Written answers

Wednesday, 25 January 2017

Department of Justice and Equality

Anti-Social Behaviour

Photo of Jim O'CallaghanJim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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103. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if consideration will be given to having trains policed by a dedicated police unit in an effort to deter anti-social behaviour for commuters; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3406/17]

Photo of Frances FitzgeraldFrances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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While I am in regular contact with the Garda Commissioner about all aspects of policing and community safety, the specific deployment of policing resources is a matter for the Garda Commissioner, as is the question on ongoing engagement with public transport operators in relation to the security and safety of the travelling public.

Insofar as the general approach to tackling these issues is concerned, I am advised that Garda management engages extensively with transport operators and a range of regional and local operations have been put in place as required to address issues that have arisen at specific locations. Instances of crime and anti-social behaviour are monitored by local Garda management with the assistance of Garda Síochána Analysis Service, which results in periodic operations aimed at anti-social behaviour on and around public transport routes. I am further advised that there is effective communication with the respective control centres and that access to good quality CCTV has also been of great assistance in the investigation of complaints.

Having regard to the above, I have no plans for the development of separate policing arrangements for trains or transport services generally. Instead, investment is being made in enhancing the resources available for policing generally, including a very substantial provision of €88.5 million for Garda overtime in 2017 which will strengthen the capacity to respond to changing crime trends. Underpinning the Government's approach is the commitment to ensuring a strong and visible police presence throughout the country to maintain and strengthen community engagement, provide reassurance to citizens and deter crime. The Government's plan is to achieve an overall Garda workforce of 21,000 personnel by 2021 comprising 15,000 Garda members, 2,000 Reserve members and 4,000 civilians. In 2017, funding has been provided for the recruitment of 800 new Gardaí and up to 500 civilians to support the wide ranging reform plan within in An Garda Síochána. Approximately 300 appointments will also be made to the Garda Reserve.

I trust that the Deputy will agree that the increased resources which are now coming on stream will undoubtedly benefit policing in relation to train and other transport services in all areas of the country.

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