Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, RISE)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

163.To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the actions his Department is taking to ensure the safety of drivers and passengers on bus routes, in particular the 65 bus route (details supplied). [31105/24]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As Minister for Transport, 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.

The safety and security of both public transport passengers and staff is of the utmost importance, and arrangements to deal with issues such as anti-social behaviour on public transport are matters which first and foremost must be managed by each public transport company, in conjunction with An Garda Síochána where appropriate.

My Department has been engaging directly with the NTA and the PSO operators on the issue of anti-social behaviour and ensuring the safety of passengers and staff. Operators continuously stress their strong and close working relationships with An Garda Síochána in relation to these issues.

As such, the issue raised by the Deputy in relation to safety on the 65 bus route is a matter for Irish Dublin Bus. Therefore, I have referred the Deputy's question to Dublin Bus for direct response to the Deputy.

Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.