Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 78: To ask the Minister for Transport the date when full integrated ticketing will be introduced on all public transport systems in Dublin; if he is satisfied with the slow rate of progress on this initiative to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9117/06]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Question 81: To ask the Minister for Transport the progress in completing the integrated ticketing project; if he is satisfied with the level of co-operation between different State transport providers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9180/06]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 78 and 81 together.

The Railway Procurement Agency, RPA, is the statutory body responsible for the delivery of a multi-operator system of integrated public transport ticketing using smartcard technology. The proposed system is, in line with international experience, being introduced on a phased basis, initially in the Dublin area.

As part of the phased introduction of smartcard-based integrated ticketing, Morton's Coaches, in conjunction with the RPA and as a proof of concept, successfully launched smartcards on its services in April 2004. In March of last year, another step was taken with the launch of smartcards on Luas services. To date, in excess of 11,000 smartcards have been purchased for use on Luas services. The Luas smartcard deployment continues to help in obtaining important feedback from passengers and provides operational experience for the next stage of integrated ticketing. In addition, both Dublin Bus and Irish Rail continue to integrate their ticketing arrangements using magnetic strip technology which it also is planned to replace with smartcard technology. Both companies also have tickets which integrate with Luas services.

Following an inconclusive procurement procedure in 2005, the RPA, in consultation with the different State and private transport providers, has presented proposals to my Department for a revised implementation plan. I am examining these proposals at present and will respond to the RPA shortly.

International experience has shown that successful delivery of integrated ticketing is achieved by a careful, phased introduction with full co-operation from all public transport operators and I believe that the RPA is correct in taking a prudent approach to the implementation of this complex project using new technology.