SIPTU representatives have welcomed the inclusion in the Programme for Government of a commitment to establish a new transport police service with powers of arrest and under the control of the National Transport Authority, which is in line with the Union’s Travel Safe policy document published last year.
SIPTU Transport, Aviation, Energy and Construction Division Organiser, Adrian Kane, said: “The creation of a new transport policing service was the central aim of the SIPTU Respect Transport Workers campaign. That the incoming Government has committed to creating such a service modelled on the Airport Police, as proposed in the SIPTU Travel Safe policy document, is a step in the right direction.
“However, Union representatives will be seeking an early meeting with the incoming Minister for Transport to ensure this commitment is a top priority for the Government and is delivered on in as short a timeframe as possible. Our members working in the public transport network have long called for such a service and it was their support and activism within the Respect Transport Workers campaign which has resulted in this move by the Government parties.”
He added: “The issue of anti-social behaviour and violence on the public transport network has intensified since the pandemic. In our Travel Safe policy, we outlined the international best practice in terms of policing public transport and detailed how a transport policing service can be created in Ireland, we are pleased the Government has taken this advice onboard.”
SIPTU Sector Organiser, John Murphy, said: “This commitment will be welcomed by our members and the travelling public. Making it a reality must now be the key aim of all stakeholders in the public transport sector. SIPTU representatives are prepared to work closely and quickly with all bodies to make this much-needed service an effective force for dealing with anti-social activity on our public transport network.”
He added: “We await the details of what the Government is proposing and hope that it also includes our proposal for Public Transport Assistance Units. These are specifically trained social care intervention officers to deal with those causing a public disturbance on the public transport network but who are more applicable for intervention in relation to underlying social care issues, such as substance abuse and homelessness, rather than within a purely legal framework.”