Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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222. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update in respect of the development of a tax saver travel pass that will provide for those that are now in a blended working arrangement that splits time between home working and office based (details supplied); and the date on which he expects to roll this option out for end users. [7158/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport, nor decision making on fares. It is the National Transport Authority (NTA) that has responsibility for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services, provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts.

In light of the impact of COVID on commuter travelling patterns, with a potential move away from a regular 5-day commute, the NTA is evaluating the possibility of a new flexi taxsaver commuter ticket. My Department has held discussions with the NTA and also with the Department of Finance on this issue. The NTA is proceeding with the detailed technical work associated with the introduction of a more flexible Taxsaver product.

In light of the Authority's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.