I propose to take Questions Nos. 86 and 88 together.
As Minister for Transport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has the statutory responsibility for the regulation of fares in relation to public passenger transport services and also has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public transport services by way of public transport services contracts in respect of services that are socially necessary but commercially unviable.
Any assessment of a proposed change to public transport fare structures would be a matter for the NTA to consider in the first instance. Bus Éireann’s Expressway services are commercial bus services and responsibility for setting fares for such services is a matter for the company. I have not engaged with either the NTA or Bus Éireann in relation to this matter.
I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's questions to the NTA and Bus Éireann for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.