Grace Boland (Dublin Fingal West, Fine Gael)
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543. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on the establishment of the transport security force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21207/25]

Grace Boland (Dublin Fingal West, Fine Gael)
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544. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when he envisions the transport security force will commence its work on public transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21208/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 543 and 544 together.

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 my Department is ongoing around identifying the necessary legislative proposals to progress the Transport Security Force commitment, in conjunction with the NTA.

The decisions regarding the appropriate model for the Transport Security Force are currently being examined and in the preliminary stages of the deliberative process, however it is important to note that the introduction of such a force will require the development of legislation which can have a significant lead time.

Nonetheless, the Government commitment to delivering a safe and secure public transport network, and the ongoing interim work on public transport safety, will continue, as will the continued support and funding for operator measures – such as the recent extension of the Dublin Bus Security Pilot Scheme.

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.

We will continue to work with all stakeholders to provide safe, sustainable public transport.

Grace Boland (Dublin Fingal West, Fine Gael)
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545. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on and recommendations arising out of the Dublin Bus pilot "New Safer Journeys"; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21209/25]

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.

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.

In October 2024, Dublin Bus launched its 20-week pilot programme of the Safer Journeys Team, a mobile unit dedicated to enhancing safety on-board their fleet. In January 2025, this programme was extended to June, with the two initial teams expanded to three, covering North Dublin, South Dublin, and Central Dublin.

The issue raised by the Deputy is a matter for Dublin Bus. Therefore, I have referred the Deputy's question to Dublin Bus for a direct response.

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