Ivana Bacik (Dublin Bay South, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

24. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the need to collate data on the number of assaults perpetrated against transport workers, such as taxi drivers, bus drivers and rail staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24573/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

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.

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

My Department has established a public transport safety working group, with representatives from the public transport operators, the commercial bus sector, the NTA, unions, An Garda Síochána, the Department of Justice, and passenger representative groups. The work of this group will be closely linked to the implementation plan to improve safety for passengers travelling on the network developed by the NTA from its annual Safety and Security Report. Proposals, such as those related to data collection, may be discussed within that forum.

Additionally, there is a strong commitment under the Programme for Government to create a Transport Security Force under the National Transport Authority (NTA), which would operate and have similar powers to Airport Police and Customs Officers. Work is already underway in my Department to develop the necessary legislative proposals and operational framework to bring this forward, in conjunction with the NTA. 

Across the network, all public transport operators are continuing to expend significant resources introducing measures to counter the impact of antisocial behaviour. For example, all services are now fully fitted with CCTV cameras, various text alert systems and control centres have been introduced.

I fully support all of this ongoing positive work towards creating a safer public transport network for passengers and staff.

I can assure the Deputy, we will continue working closely with stakeholders to deliver a public transport system that is not only efficient and sustainable, but also safe, inclusive, and accessible for all who rely on it.