Jerry Buttimer (Cork South-Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I again thank Senator Clifford-Lee for her contribution. She makes valid points regarding the people of Balbriggan and Skerries. I will bring them to the Minister on her behalf.

As the Senator said, the Department of Transport has been working with the NTA over recent years to simplify fares across bus, rail and light rail services and introduce a fairer distance-based structure. The programme for Government is committed to review existing fare structures so that we can ensure that public transport is as accessible as possible, supports the delivery of services, and incentivises off-peak travel. It also commits to rolling out contactless fare payments on all public transport, keeping fares low and affordable and examining the further expansion of free public transport for children.

When phase 2 is implemented, it will involve the introduction of the new Dublin city and Dublin commuter zones, which will lead to a significant reduction in Leap card multimodal caps, and the introduction of Leap card credit at all Dublin commuter rail stations, which will be a further positive step towards a more equitable approach to public transport fare pricing.

The Government is committed to delivering a cost-efficient and sustainable public transport network. I will bring the Senator's comments back to the Minister for Transport.

I ask for the Acting Chairperson's permission and indulgence for one moment.