Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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177. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the estimated increase in demand if public transport fares were abolished; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8859/22]

Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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178. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is considering introducing a €365 annual public transport ticket; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8860/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 177 and 178 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, nor decisions 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

Any assessment of a proposed change to public transport fare structures would be a matter for the NTA to consider in the first instance along with the estimated increase in demand for public transport services if fares were abolished.  Therefore, in light of the Authority’s responsibility in this area I have forwarded the Deputy's specific questions to the NTA for direct reply.  Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.