Pa Daly (Kerry, Sinn Fein)

I have a question for all the witnesses. In the recent press briefing, the Minister refused to rule out fare increases. This has already started. For example, the situation has already been reversed for mature students using a Leap Card and attending college in the North. Is that appropriate or should that be kept for students from the North studying down here? In light of this change, what impact might fare hikes have, particularly in relation to rural Ireland, which is what we are discussing today? Is it a backward step?