Patrick Costello (Dublin South Central, Green Party)
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75. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the total cost arising from the reduced 20% public transport fares to the public and the reduced 50% public transport to students and young people under 24 years of age nationwide; if he is considering making the reduction permanent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14079/23]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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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. It is the National Transport Authority (NTA) that 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 NTA's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question in relation to the 20% public transport fares discount and Young Adult Card, to the Authority for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.

Patrick Costello (Dublin South Central, Green Party)
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76. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the total estimated cost of eliminating all public transport fares in rural areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14080/23]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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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.

The PSO programme represents a significant expenditure of taxpayers' money, and funding has increased in recent years to cater for additional services and growing capacity. Any assessment of a proposed change to public transport fare structures would be a matter for the NTA to consider in the first instance.

In light of the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have forwarded the Deputy's question in relation to the total estimated cost of eliminating all public transport fares in rural areas, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.

Patrick Costello (Dublin South Central, Green Party)
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77. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps he is taking to increase transport accessibility in public transport in rural areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14081/23]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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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 the day-to-day operations and promoting the development of an integrated, accessible public transport network, in both urban and rural areas.

In light of the NTA's responsibilities, including the provision of accessible public transport services in rural areas, I have forwarded your questions to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.