Robbie Gallagher (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I, too, would like to welcome the fact that this scheme is being extended to cover 16-, 17- and 18-year-olds. That is a very positive development.

I have a question for the Minister of State in relation to that extension. Is there a timeframe for its introduction? Many people will be asking when this will come into vogue.

As to students who travel to the North, I would be grateful if the Minister of State could come back to me on that issue after his deliberations with the National Transport Authority, NTA. Bualadh bos. It is very worthwhile and I welcome the news.