Transport Security Force Branded “Toothless Tiger” by Union Leaders
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A proposed new security force for Ireland’s public transport system has been sharply criticized by transport workers, who claim it would be ineffective in tackling rising levels of violence and antisocial behavior. The National Bus and Rail Union (NBRU) delivered a scathing assessment to the government on December 23rd, labeling the initiative a “token gesture” and warning it would lack the necessary authority to address the escalating crisis.
The current Program for Government, agreed upon by the coalition, outlines plans to establish a transport security force operating under the National Transport Authority (NTA). The envisioned force would possess powers comparable to those held by airport police and customs officials. However,the NBRU argues that the proposal is fundamentally flawed and fails to address the severity of the situation.
Union Voices Concerns Over Practicality and Scope of Powers
In a letter addressed to Minister for Justice jim O’Callaghan and copied to Taoiseach Micheál Martin, the NBRU expressed deep reservations about the feasibility of the proposed force. Union leaders contend that the issue of antisocial behavior on buses and trains is “too serious to warrant a dalliance with experimental untried concepts.” A key concern raised is the lack of concrete proposals detailing how the security force would operate.
According to NBRU General secretary Dermot O’Leary, the proposed legislative basis for the force – the 1950 Air Navigation and Transport Act – presents significant practical challenges.Section 19(2) of the Act stipulates that any authorized officer, who is not a member of An Garda Síochána (the Irish police force), must immediately hand over any arrested individual to police custody for legal processing.
“The day-to-day operation of such a force, based on this legislation, would simply not be practical,” O’Leary stated. He highlighted the disparity between airport security, which benefits from the close proximity of police stations, and the geographically dispersed nature of the public transport network.This logistical hurdle, he argues, would render the detention and arrest of offenders “redundant.”
“A toothless Tiger”: Limited Powers Raise Doubts
The NBRU’s central argument revolves around the limited scope of powers the proposed NTA force would likely possess. “In reality, we would be faced with a situation where the new NTA force will be a toothless tiger, effectively turning into a token gesture that will be unable to tackle the epidemic of antisocial behavior,” O’Leary explained.
The union is instead advocating for the establishment of a dedicated and fully resourced division within An Garda Síochána specifically focused on public transport security.Thay argue that anything less “seriously jeopardises the continuity and provision of public transport services,” as workers are increasingly feeling vulnerable and unprotected.
Workers Report Rising Abuse and Lack of Protection
The NBRU emphasized the escalating levels of abuse faced by its members. Workers are “at their wits’ end due to an ever-increasing gauntlet of abuse and viciousness,” with some Bus Éireann drivers lacking even basic security measures like protective screens in their vehicles. The union characterized its members as being treated as “cannon fodder for the thugs that carry out antisocial behaviour and wanton thuggery on buses and trains.”
The concerns come despite previous support for a dedicated transport police service from Minister O’Callaghan, who, shortly after his appointment in February, indicated such a force should have powers of arrest. Though, his office has not yet provided comment on the NBRU’s recent criticisms.
the debate underscores the urgent need for a thorough and effective solution to ensure the safety of both public transport workers and passengers. The NBRU’s strong opposition suggests that the current proposal falls short of addressing the complex challenges facing Ireland’s public transport system.
