Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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347. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the estimated cost of providing an increased subsidy to each public transport provider to reduce fares by 5%, 10% and 20%, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30320/19]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has the statutory responsibility for the regulation of fares in relation to public passenger transport services.

As the Deputy is aware, in Budget 2019 I secured an increase in the overall Exchequer funding available for Public Service Obligation (PSO) public transport services and €287 million is available this year to the National Transport Authority (NTA) for this purpose.

The overall PSO amount is set each year as part of the annual Estimates and Budget processes, and the 2019 allocation for the Vote was voted on and approved by this House as part of the "Revised Estimates for Public Services 2019". It is the statutory remit of the NTA to make PSO payments to the public transport operators who provide PSO services, and the payments are made in accordance with the PSO contracts that the NTA has in put place with each of those operators.

I have, therefore, referred the Deputy’s question to the NTA for reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.