Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

So, it will be next year.

There is something significant with programme B. We have had discussions with the NTA on the relationship between price and demand. When fares on public transport are reduced, what is the impact on demand? Here is proof positive that the State's best estimate was out by a large factor. The uptake has been positive. It would be appropriate to watch it over time. The same sort of benefit might not be achieved if we went further. Representatives of the NTA gave international examples which argue against further price decreases because they say we might not get the return on it. However, there is empirical evidence on this effort in Ireland which is useful and supports the case that if the services are provided at an affordable price, people will use them. That is an important point.

The Minister of State mentioned the acceleration of elements of the Connecting Ireland plan. What elements of that are involved? I previously spoke to her about multi-annual budgeting for Connecting Ireland. Are we any closer to agreeing that? Where do things stand on that?