Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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271. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has held any discussions with Iarnród Éireann regarding the substantial problems that commuters have been experiencing with reduced carriage services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45373/13]

Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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272. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on whether it would be justified for Iarnród Éireann to increase its fares by up to 10.3%, as has been apparently approved by the National Transport Authority, in view of the poor service that commuters have been subjected to as a result of fewer carriages being made available at peak times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45376/13]

Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 271 and 272 together.

I refer the Deputy to my reply to the Topical Issue on this matter on Tuesday 22nd October. I also met with the Chief Executive of Irish Rail yesterday and raised the concern of Deputies with regard to the issue of reduction of the number of Dart carriages at certain times.  In some cases, Irish Rail have already responded and re-introduced larger carriages to accommodate passengers. He agreed to continual monitoring of carriage levels to ensure they match passenger demand.  

Public transport fares are a matter for the various operating companies in conjunction with the National Transport Authority, which has responsibility for regulating the maximum fare on public service routes. I have forwarded the Deputy's questions to both the NTA and Irish Rail for direct reply.  Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.