Naoise Ó Cearúil (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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183. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport for an update on his work in the establishment of transport policing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51681/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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I want to reassure the Deputy that work in my Department is ongoing around identifying the necessary legislative proposals to progress the Transport Security Force commitment, in conjunction with the National Transport Authority (NTA).

This work involves making measured and informed decisions regarding the appropriate model for the Transport Security Force, which is currently being carefully examined by all the key stakeholders.

The commitment under the Programme for Government is 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 that neither the Airport Police, nor Customs Officers, have the powers provided to An Garda Síochána, and the introduction of such a force will require the development of legislation, which can have a significant lead time. However, it is a priority for my Department that this work will be progressed as quickly as feasible.

While the last few years have seen significant progress on investment in safety measures, antisocial behaviour on public transport 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.

In the interim, the Government commitment to delivering a safe and secure public transport network, and the ongoing work on public transport safety, will continue, as will the continued support and funding for operator measures.