Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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892. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she intends reducing the islander fares on public service obligation transport to and from the islands by 20% in line with the reduction in bus and rail fares; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23473/22]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy is aware, the subsidised transport services to the off-shore islands do not fall under the remit of the fare reduction scheme currently being introduced by the National Transport Authority on behalf of the Department of Transport.

While I am open to considering the introduction of a similar scheme for island residents, there are some concerns that applying a fare reduction for islanders on subsidised services could create issues for private operators operating the same routes as the subsidised operators.

I have written to the Attorney General seeking his advice on the issues arising and I expect to receive advices on the matter shortly.