Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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457. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the role of his Department in progressing the proposal within the programme for Government to create a transport security force under the National Transport Authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4711/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy will appreciate, the Programme for Government commits to the establishment of a Public Transport Security force under the National Transport Authority. As the NTA rests under the remit of my colleague the Minister for Transport, at present my Department has no role in the establishment of this force. Officials will, of course, engage with colleagues in the Department of Transport as they develop their plans.

The safety and security of both public transport passengers and staff, including arrangements to deal with anti-social behaviour, are important matters. First and foremost, these matters must be managed by every public transport company, in conjunction with An Garda Síochána where appropriate.

There are a number of tools at the disposal of the Garda Commissioner to respond to anti-social behaviour on public transport. Garda management engages extensively with transport operators, including the National Transport Authority, Irish Rail (DART and InterCity rail) and Transdev Ireland (Luas) to provide a high visibility presence through a coordinated approach.

An Garda Síochána are actively working to address issues on public transport, including through dedicated operations such as Operation Twin Tracks and Operation Saul. A range of regional and local operations have been put in place by Gardaí to prevent and detect criminal activity on public transport. For example, the aim of Operation Saul is to provide a safe environment for commuters utilising all public transport services in the DMR together with reassuring the citizens, visitors and the business community in Dublin is a safe place in which to visit, socialise, conduct business and enjoy all its amenities.