Ms Deirdre Hanlon:

It is a statutory function of the NTA. It does not arbitrarily set fares. It published a document spanning 50 to 80 pages about two weeks ago setting out its explanation of the changes it had made to fares and its approach and strategy with respect to fares over a period. As I understand it, it is seeking over time to move to having fares that are relatively comparable on a distance basis or on like-for-like journeys. Obviously, the experience the Deputy has raised with us would be at variance with that and we can bring that to the attention of the NTA. However, overall, the approach as to how it is to be dealt with has been decided by the Oireachtas and that is what happens. The NTA sets its fares and publishes them annually. They are available on its website. They are published and made public together with an explanation of the rationale for them and the longer-term strategy the authority is following regarding the setting of fares.

Regarding other matters that were raised, Deputy Ó Cuív asked if there is a policy on Iarnród Éireann providing efficient national services. Yes, the expectation of Government is that Iarnród Éireann, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of CIE that is fully owned by the Minister for Transport on behalf of the people, would provide transport services on the rail network that it has not run and it does provide services on a national basis. It provides many types of services, including commuter services, particularly around the cities, notably the DART. As referenced by the Deputy, an increasing commuter-type service is being built up in or around Galway. Commuter services around Cork have also been developed in recent years. In addition to those services, Iarnród Éireann runs the InterCity services.