Ciarán Ahern (Dublin South West, Labour)
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408. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport for an update on the work undertaken by his Department regarding the introduction of a dedicated transport police service as proposed in the Programme for Government; when he expects the necessary legislation underpinning the establishment of a dedicated transport police service to be published; if he anticipates that the transport police will have powers of arrest; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19412/25]

Ciarán Ahern (Dublin South West, Labour)
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409. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the details of any engagement he has had with trade unions or other transport worker representative organisations with respect to the proposed introduction of a transport police service,; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19413/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 408 and 409 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. It is important to note that neither the Airport Police, nor Customs Officers, have the powers provided to An Garda Síochána.

While the last few years have seen significant progress on investment in safety measures, antisocial behaviour remains a serious issue, and it is those who regularly use and work within our public transport network who are most directly impacted by any safety or security incidents on the network.

The establishment of the Transport Security Force will play a central role in helping to tackle this important issue. Work in 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, and 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.

We will continue to engage with operators and unions on the matter, and will continue to work with all stakeholders to provide safe, sustainable public transport.