Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)

Integrated ticketing is a project where one does not see significant progress while the background work is being carried out. The integrated ticketing board was set up by my predecessor around 2006. Since that time, it has made substantial progress. Currently it has the back-room facilities required to ensure we have an efficient, effective integrated ticketing project. Tenders have been received for this and we are in the final stages of negotiation of the tender, if not already completed. The next stage will be when the integrated ticketing project goes to public tender to find an operator to run the system.

The first companies to operate the system will come on line in September 2009. Subject to correction, by 2011 all of the public transport companies and, hopefully, private companies will be in the system. When the DTA is established, it will take over from the integrated ticketing board and will have full responsibility for the roll-out of the system. Again subject to correction, Bus Átha Cliath and Iarnród Éireann are currently using a smart card as a lead-in to integrated ticketing. The Department of Social and Family Affairs is also finalising a smart card for people entitled to free travel. There has been significant progress on the issue.