While as Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport, nor decisions on fares. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public transport services by way of public services obligation (PSO) contracts, for allocating PSO Exchequer funding and for the regulation of PSO fares, including the rail inter-city fares mentioned in the Deputy's question.
Therefore, I have forwarded the Deputy's questions to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.