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

The NTA has a lot under its remit. I have confidence it will deliver it. I have met the programme manager and have asked many of the questions the Deputy just put. That is my job and I should do so.

It is a significant investment on the part of the Exchequer. It will make a big difference to commuters. I mentioned earlier in responses to colleagues in the House the significant increase in public transport journeys we are seeing. People are responding to affordable, sustainable and punctual public transport. We can always improve and we need to continue to improve. This system will be better than the one that operates in London. People always use the example of Britain. The system that operates in London and other parts of Britain is not countrywide. This will be countrywide on all public transport. It will be on Bus Átha Cliath, Bus Éireann, Luas, DART and intercity rail. It is a significant roll-out and we have to do its while keeping the existing system fully operational. It will also require the replacement of a lot of validators. We will be watching it carefully.

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