Bríd Smith (Dublin South Central, People Before Profit Alliance) | Oireachtas source

I ask the Minister of State to get back to me on the issue of the CIÉ regular wages scheme statutory instrument. Five weeks ago, the Minister for Transport, Deputy Eamon Ryan, told me it would be signed within two weeks. Thousands of workers are waiting for this statutory instrument to be signed and it has already taken two years for the State to respond. This is not a great way to treat transport workers and it is certainly not a great sign of the respect and priority we give public transport. I ask the Minister of State to get back to me on that as soon as possible.

The key issue for People Before Profit is that of free and frequent public transport. We have always had a problem in Ireland when it comes to investing in public transport. At the highest level, there has been an attitude of begrudgery around State subsidies and supports for public transport. Transport emissions account for 40% of Ireland's total carbon emissions. In 2020, road transport alone accounted for 94% of transport emissions in Ireland, with private cars accounting for 74% of all journeys nationally, compared to just 7% by bus and rail. If we are to reach our climate targets, we need a massive shift away from private forms of transport, including private electric vehicles. Public transport has a vital function and role in helping society shift away from private vehicles to mass transit. There is a problem here, partly because of the legacy of begrudgery I spoke about but also due to a dearth of imagination on behalf of the Government, or a dearth of understanding as to how important public transport is and will be in dealing with the climate crisis.

Over 100 cities and regions globally have initiated free public transport, for a variety of reasons but increasingly as a climate measure.

It is not an overnight solution and we know its impact will be limited unless we also significantly increase the frequency and accessibility of public transport, not just in our towns and cities but also in our rural communities. Fare-free public transport is the future and that idea will grow. I welcome the recent fare reductions, the first in the State since 1947. Since the fare reductions in Bus Éireann and Local Link last month, passenger numbers have increased by 10%. Free public transport was provided to the over-66s and we all know the considerable benefit that continues to give.

The benefits of frequent free public transport include greater connectivity, social inclusion for the vulnerable and marginalised groups and the revitalisation of urban and rural areas. Such a shift is essential if we are to achieve our reductions in global gas emissions. People Before Profit will continue to campaign for this as an issue not just on climate but also to reduce the cost of living for all.

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