Public Service Obligation Services

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 July 2018

Tuesday, 24 July 2018

Ceisteanna (2279, 2280, 2281)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Ceist:

2279. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport full-year cost of reducing public transport costs by 50%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35012/18]

Richard Boyd Barrett

Ceist:

2280. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount it would cost to restore the CIÉ subvention to 2008 levels. [35055/18]

Richard Boyd Barrett

Ceist:

2281. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount it would cost to restore the CIÉ subvention to 2008 levels and add 33%. [35056/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 2279 to 2281, inclusive, together.

As the Deputy is aware, in Budget 2018 I secured an 8% increase in the overall Exchequer funding available for Public Service Obligation and I can confirm that €284.9 million is available to the National Transport Authority (NTA) in 2018. The PSO allocation was €308.6 million in 2008.

Since 2010 my Department no longer pays subvention for public transport services paid directly to operators. The award of Public Service Obligation (PSO) funding falls under the independent statutory remit of the National Transport Authority (NTA). The allocations to the 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.

Regarding the cost of reducing public transport costs by 50%, the NTA has responsibility for regulating fares charged by public transport operators.

I have therefore forwarded the Deputy's questions to the NTA for direct reply. 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.