Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

238. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has met with the Minister for Justice and Equality to discuss the increased violent incidents on trains and the DART; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28277/18]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. However, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport and I have not met with the Minister for Justice and Equality to discuss anti-social behaviour on trains and the DART.

I am concerned, however, to ensure that the necessary arrangements are in place to ensure the safety and security of passengers and staff travelling and working on our rail network.

There were 45.5 million passenger journeys in 2017 on Iarnród Éireann, the vast majority of which occurred without incident.

However, I have been advised by the company that the number of recorded anti-social incidents has risen in the last number of years.  In 2016, 492 incidents were recorded, of which 12 were assaults on staff. In 2017, 705 incidents were recorded, of which 15 were assaults on staff.  To date this year, 305 incidents have been recorded, of which 5 were assaults on staff.

The safety and security of passengers and staff, including arrangements to deal with anti-social behaviour on the rail network, are matters for the operators, in conjunction with, as appropriate, An Garda Síochána. Iarnród Éireann has advised that it liaises on a minimum quarterly basis with An Garda Síochána in major districts to address trends and issues on an area basis.  In addition, this allows for proactive planning for events and known recurring issues.

Security patrols by the company have increased by 21.8% since 2016 and Iarnród Éireann has advised that it has enhanced general security cover and provides for enhanced security patrols for major events. 

Furthermore, in view of concerns raised by trades unions regarding security on certain routes in Dublin, Iarnród Éireann has committed to a number of immediate and short-term measures to maintain a safe travelling environment for customers and staff and to ensure service continuity.

I have asked my Department to write to the CEO of Iarnród Éireann, Mr Jim Meade, and the Chairman of the Railway Safety Advisory Council, Mr John Power, to seek their views on the adequacy of the current arrangements for combating anti-social behaviour on our rail network.

In addition, I have also asked my Department to engage with the CEO’s of Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann to seek their views on the adequacy of the current arrangements for combating anti-social behaviour on our buses.

Once I have received their responses, I will, in conjunction with stakeholders, including my colleague, the Minister for Justice and An Garda Síochána, review the measures in place to ensure the safety of all passengers and staff on our bus and rail network.