Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I note the Deputy's comments. Nobody disputes that anomalies exist. I agree with him that there is a need for greater equity, but equity in train fares cannot apply only to the DART system. It must take into account the western and northern commuter lines. People travel similar distances to those from Greystones on an inferior service but pay more than them. In many ways, I am making the Deputy's case for him. There is inconsistency and a lack of equity. The NTA and Irish Rail want to phase in more consistent fares over a period without a big bang effect or a significant revenue loss. Perhaps that is the wrong approach and there should be a big bang effect rather than an incremental change, which is what is happening.

I am due to meet the chief executive officer, chairman and board of the NTA on Friday morning. I commit to making this an agenda item for discussion and I will get back to the Deputy following that.

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