Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)

As the Deputy can imagine, this is an issue I am very alert to and aware of in a very practical sense. My hometown is one that has seen an adverse impact from this change. Admittedly, many other areas have seen fares decrease. I do not think it is good that we are seeing one town nearly being pitted against another as a result of this fare structure. We have taken several measures to reduce public transport fares that I am proud of. We did that together in the last Government. I would like to meet the NTA regarding this issue. Perhaps those of us from constituencies impacted could seek to meet the organisation together to seek a timeline on when it intends to carry out the consultation.

While I am on my feet I join the Leas-Cheann Comhairle in welcoming the students and their teachers to the Dáil. I welcome Ms Lavin and Ms Keyes and their students, Éabha, Josie, Cillian and Jacek. I am sure they could all teach us many things about debating. I first learned how to debate back in secondary school too. I was told to do all the things I never do now, like locking your knees, looking up, speaking calmly, beginning with a quote and all that. I hope they have had very good success and I thank them for being here today.

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