Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)

I know the Deputy will be raising this issue regularly and he is right to do so because it will make a very significant difference. We will certainly be putting as much positive pressure as possible on to ensure delivery. I will be watching the timeline very closely and, as it becomes firmer, I will keep the Deputy informed. It will not be necessary for someone who is visiting to have an account to tap on and tap off. Account-based ticketing will be very useful for residents. It will allow them to see what is being spent. If you go to England and are tapping on and off with your debit card, you do not see that automatically. This is for residents who regularly use rail, bus or Luas services. It will be across all modes of transport. It is complex. I am not using that word to excuse any delays. I do not envisage delays. As I have told the House, the best date I have for delivery is 2027. We will certainly be keeping a very close eye on this because it will make a very significant difference to customers right across the country.

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