Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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268. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if free travel pass holders are still required to pay a fee when travelling on public transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45353/21]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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As Minister for Transport, I am responsible for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. However, I am not involved in day-to-day operational matters.

The Free Travel Scheme is a non-statutory scheme administered by the Department of Social Protection. The scheme provides free travel on the main public and private transport services for those eligible under the scheme including services provided by companies such as Dublin Bus, Bus Éireann and Iarnród Éireann, as well as Luas and services provided by over 80 private transport operators.

The query raised appears to relate to Bus Éireann's commercial service, Expressway, and I have therefore forwarded the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply.

Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.