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Public Transport Subsidies

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 March 2019

Tuesday, 26 March 2019

Questions (1142, 1143, 1144, 1145)

Imelda Munster

Question:

1142. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the estimated increase in PSO subvention needed to reduce average Dublin Bus ticket prices by a quarter and by a half; and the estimated increase in PSO subvention required to completely subsidise all Dublin Bus usage. [14115/19]

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Imelda Munster

Question:

1143. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the estimated increase in PSO subvention needed to accommodate 25%, 50% and 100% increases in public transport usage; and the national public transport total by specific figures for Bus Éireann, Iarnród Éireann, and Dublin Bus in tabular form. [14116/19]

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Imelda Munster

Question:

1144. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the estimated increase in public transport journeys if PSO subvention were increased to subsidise fares by a further 25%, 50% and 100%; and the national public transport total, with specific figures for Bus Éireann, Iarnród Éireann and Dublin Bus in tabular form. [14117/19]

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Imelda Munster

Question:

1145. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the estimated increase in public transport passengers if PSO subvention were increased to subsidise fares by a further 25%, 50% and 100% and the national public transport total, with specific figures for Bus Éireann, Iarnród Éireann, and Dublin Bus in tabular form. [14118/19]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1142 to 1145, inclusive, together.

As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport in Ireland.

The award of Public Service Obligation (PSO) funding falls under the independent statutory remit of the National Transport Authority (NTA). The allocations to the transport companies are decided by the NTA in exercise of its statutory mandate and, in accordance with the various contract arrangements that it has in place with PSO service providers.

The NTA also has the statutory responsibility for the regulation of fares in relation to public passenger transport services and decisions on fares are set out in the NTA Fare Determinations document which is published on the NTA's website. The funding of PSO services comprises both the fares paid by passengers and the subvention payments from the Exchequer, the latter which amounts to €287m in 2019. The main purpose of the subvention payment is to meet the gap which exists between income from fares and the cost of operating services.

In addition the National Transport Authority is responsible for the collection and publication of statistics relating to public transport such as passenger journeys.

I have therefore referred the Deputy's questions to the NTA to respond directly in relation to some of the detail sought. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A
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