Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 June 2026
170. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update as to when he expects legislation regarding the transport security force to come before the Houses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48781/26]
View answer171. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Transport to provide a timeline in respect of the date on which he expects the first members of the transport security force to be in post. [48782/26]
View answer173. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Transport the number of meetings he and or his officials have had with the Garda leadership team regarding the establishment of the transport security force; if he will confirm whether he has formally notified and or engaged with same by way of written and/or email correspondence. [48784/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 170, 171 and 173 together.
As Minister for Transport, I can assure you that my Department is actively progressing the necessary steps to deliver on the commitment to establish a Transport Security Force, in conjunction with the National Transport Authority. Considerable progress has been made in recent months, and this work remains a top priority for all parties involved.
This work centres on developing a well-considered and informed approach to identifying the most suitable model for the Transport Security Force. In this regard, a proposed model is currently under detailed consideration, with all key stakeholders fully engaged, including the NTA, operators, trade unions, passenger groups, An Garda Síochána, and the Department of Justice.
In addition, my Department and the NTA are actively progressing the legislative proposals required to deliver on the Government’s commitment to establish a Transport Security Force, and the introduction of this Force will require the development of primary legislation, which can have a significant lead time, but it will be expedited, with a view to making progress on its foundations during 2026.
In the meantime, we are committed to delivering a safe and secure public transport system, and we will maintain momentum on all fronts until the Transport Security Force is in place.
