Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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64. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the progress made to date in respect of the introduction of half-price transport for young persons as set out in budget 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62108/21]

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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69. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the progress made in relation to the introduction of half-price transport for young persons as stated in budget 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62101/21]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 64 and 69 together.

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.

The National Transport Authority is responsible for the implementation of a Young Adult Travel Card (YATC), which will offer a 50% discount on travel on all subsidised public transport services. The new card will be available to all young adults in the 19 to 23 age bracket nationally and will apply all year round. Young adults and children aged 18 and under can avail of student / child fares, which are already heavily discounted.

The NTA is continuing to work on the development of the Youth Card and the application of a 50% discount to young adults. In view of the NTA's responsibility in this matter, I have forwarded the Deputies' questions to the NTA for attention. Please inform my private office if you have not received a reply within ten working days.