Seán Haughey (Dublin Bay North, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome what the Minister said in relation to a part-time scheme and I hope that the discussions between the Department of Finance and the National Transport Authority can be concluded as soon as possible. We need to be imaginative about this. Covid was a challenge but it also presents opportunities as we come out of the lockdown situation.

In relation to the other question and the refund, there was an option of a refund last year if you did not choose the extension for the first half of 2021. At the time the option seemed reasonable as last August, you would not have anticipated being advised to work from home for the first six months of 2021. The fact is that someone going back next month will be paying for 18 months' travel while only availing of it for nine months over the 2020-21 period.

Did the Minister ask the NTA why it was not in a position to extend this measure? Is it fair to make people essentially pay on the double? I welcome the initiative in terms of the part-time scheme.

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