As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts.
In light of the Authority's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy’s specific question in relation to discounted public transport costs for students resident in this State who are travelling to and studying at third level institutions in Northern Ireland, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.