Paul Donnelly (Dublin West, Sinn Fein)
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330. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she will report on Garda operation Saul; the number of persons arrested and charged under this operation; and if this operation is still active at present. [38609/24]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána. This includes all operational and investigative policing matters. As Minister, I have no role in these matters and cannot seek to direct the Commissioner in relation to them.

I can assure the Deputy that the Government is committed to combatting antisocial behaviour and ensuring people in communities are safe and feel safe. This is reflected in the unprecedented allocation of over €2.35 billion in Budget 2024 to An Garda Síochána, which is allowing for sustained investment in recruitment, equipment and technology.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that in January 2022, Operation Saul was initiated for the purpose of coordinating operational activity across the Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR) to provide a safe environment for commuters utilising all public transport services across the city.

Operation Saul involves the effective management and planned deployment of resources in the DMR to ensure the delivery of both an overt and covert policing response on board Bus, Luas, Dart and Train services to effectively tackle anti-social behaviour, public order and criminal activity, on a daily basis. It is not possible to provide the number of Garda members assigned to the Operation as all frontline members carry out activities under the auspices of Operation Saul on a daily basis and as required.

As part of Operation Saul, each Chief Superintendent, DMR ensures continued collaboration with key transport stakeholders and providers along with Local Authorities to ensure an integrated approach at key high risk periods. Personnel are deployed to perform overt and covert patrols on board all public transport services, (Public Buses, Dart & Luas services), on a daily basis throughout Dublin. Members performing patrols on public transport services take effective action where offences are detected, and initiate charges where appropriate.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that, from 1 January 2024 to 31 July 2024, there were 394 arrests made under Operation Saul. Arising out of theses arrests, 647 charges were preferred against suspects and a further 97 summonses were issued. 57 referrals were made to the Garda Youth Diversion Programme and a further 30 persons were dealt with by way of Adult Caution.

I am assured by the Garda Commissioner that An Garda Síochána is committed to continuing its efforts to dealing with anti-social behavior on public transport and bringing those responsible for such criminal acts before the Courts. Members in the DMR will continue to proactively police public transport under Operation Saul as part of our overall response to preventing such antisocial behavior.

Paul Donnelly (Dublin West, Sinn Fein)
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331. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of sergeants, inspectors and superintendents within the Dublin metropolitan region that have qualified as bronze commanders, silver commanders and gold commanders to date in 2024 for dealing with major public order incidents, in tabular form. [38611/24]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I have contacted the Garda authorities for the information requested by the Deputy. Regrettably, this information was not available in time and I will write to the Deputy directly when it is to hand.