Government should bring forward legislation on transport policing unit before next summer.

Labour spokesperson for Transport, Senator Kevin Humphreys has called on the government to bring forward legislation on a dedicated transport policy unit before next summer. 

Commenting today Senator Humphreys said:

“I am happy to hear that the government are considering the establishment of a dedicated policing unit for public transport. This has been recommended by the Railway Safety Advisory Committee and has been a longstanding issue for transport unions.

I have raised this issue with the Ministers for Justice and Transport, as well in the Seanad over the last year. I have also written to the Minister for Transport last summer, asking him to give this proposal serious consideration.

“I am calling on the Minister for Justice and Transport to bring forward legislation before we hit peak customer journey numbers by next summer.

“I am also of the opinion that any unit should be set up within An Garda Síochána, and not be farmed out to a private security firm. Private securities firms do not have the authority to detain people who commit violent or antisocial acts on board public transport.

“The number of anti-social incidents onboard rail services has been increasing at a significant rate for some time now. There has been a 20-year long campaign by SIPTU to get a dedicated transport police service, which is a campaign I support and will continue to work for from the Seanad.

“I look forward to continuing to work with Government and all parties to see this goal achieved for the safety of both staff and customers of Iarnród Éireann”