Emer Currie (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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239. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport for an update on his Department's progress in creating the transport security force as proposed in the Programme for Government; when he expects to finalise the legislative framework required to establish the force under the NTA; when he expects the force to be operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7214/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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Anti-social behaviour is a broad societal issue, to which public transport is unfortunately not immune, and it is those passengers and staff who regularly use and work within our public transport network who are most directly impacted by any safety or security incidents that may occur on the network.

There is a strong commitment under the Programme for Government to create a Transport Security Force under the NTA, which would operate and have similar powers to Airport Police and Customs Officers. Work in the Department is starting around identifying the necessary legislative proposals to progress this, in conjunction with the NTA. We will continue to work with all stakeholders to provide safe, sustainable public transport.”

Emer Currie (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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240. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the measures he is taking to provide transport security on the Irish Rail, Maynooth line; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7215/25]

Emer Currie (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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241. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the measures he is taking to provide transport security on Dublin Bus routes operating in Dublin west, such as the 37, 38, 39, 39a routes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7216/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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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.

That said, I am fully aware that anti-social behaviour is a broad societal issue, to which public transport is unfortunately not immune, and it is those passengers and staff who regularly use and work within our public transport network who are most directly impacted by any safety or security incidents that may occur on the network.

There is a strong commitment under the Programme for Government to create a Transport Security Force under the NTA, which would operate and have similar powers to Airport Police and Customs Officers. Work in my Department is starting around identifying the necessary legislative proposals to progress this, in conjunction with the NTA. We will continue to work with all stakeholders to provide safe, sustainable public transport.”

The issue raised by the Deputy in relation to providing transport security on the Irish Rail, Maynooth line is currently an operational matter for Irish Rail. Therefore, I have referred the Deputy's question to Irish Rail for direct response to the Deputy. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.