Jerry Buttimer (Cork South-Central, Fine Gael)

We are, as a Government, committed to the fare initiatives. I could, as the Deputy knows quite well, list what we have done and its benefits.

We must continue to review existing fare structures to ensure public transport is accessible for everyone and the delivery of services are supported. We also need to do more to incentivise and encourage people to use the off-peak period. Under the programme for Government, we are also committed to the roll-out of contactless fare payments on all public transport. What we have committed and tried to do is keep fares low and affordable, as well as examine the further expansion of free public transport for children. We will then look at the whole sustainability of the model in terms of the PSO services into the future.