Bus Services

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 September 2023

Wednesday, 20 September 2023

Questions (111)

Matt Carthy

Question:

111. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Transport if there have been any meetings between his Department, the Department of Education, Bus Éireann and Local Link operators, or directly between any of those bodies, regarding the potential of the 171 Local Link service accepting school transport tickets; who was represented at any such meeting; which of these bodies is opposed to allowing school students to avail of this service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40152/23]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

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

The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally, which includes ticketing services. The NTA also has national responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including TFI Local Link services and the rollout of services under the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan. School Transport is under the remit of the Department of Education.

In light of the NTA's responsibilities, I have referred your questions to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51