Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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86. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has considered taking further action towards providing free travel on public transport to those unable to drive due to epilepsy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28501/21]

Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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88. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the cessation of a discount on Bus Éireann services for persons with epilepsy; if he has engaged with the NTA on this issue; and his plans to reinstate the discount benefit. [28547/21]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 86 and 88 together.

As Minister for Transport 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 and also has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public transport services by way of public transport services contracts in respect of services that are socially necessary but commercially unviable.

Any assessment of a proposed change to public transport fare structures would be a matter for the NTA to consider in the first instance. Bus Éireann’s Expressway services are commercial bus services and responsibility for setting fares for such services is a matter for the company. I have not engaged with either the NTA or Bus Éireann in relation to this matter.

I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's questions to the NTA and Bus Éireann for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.