Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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68. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to extend youth fare reductions to 17 to-18-year-olds and ensure that reductions can be availed of by those travelling with commercial operators; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46665/22]

Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent)
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89. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason that the student Leap card is not available to third level students aged 18 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47076/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 68 and 89 together.

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. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts.

The Young Adult Card (YAC) was initially introduced on PSO services in May. Following extensive engagement between my Department, the NTA, and representatives from the commercial bus sector the initiative was broadened to include participating Commercial Bus Operators (CBOs) on the 4th of September. As a result, holders of a YAC or Student Leap Card can now avail of the 50% fare discount on both PSO and CBO services.

In relation to the Deputy's question on the eligibility requirements for the YAC, I am happy to clarify that the NTA are widening the age rules of the Scheme to allow 16, 17, and 18-year-old students in third level education to apply for the Student Leap Card so that they can also avail of the discount. This is in line with the approach that has been taken with mature students who are in full-time third level education.

I am pleased to advise that the NTA have already commenced the technical work on this matter, which is scheduled to be completed in the coming weeks, at which point those third level students aged 16, 17, and 18 will be able to order a Student Leap Card and avail of the discount.

Steven Matthews (Wicklow, Green Party)
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69. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will consider creating free public transport passes for staff of special schools, only to be used when travelling with students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46703/22]

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.

I am fully committed to strengthening our public transport offerings and progressively making them accessible for all, especially for disabled people, persons with disabilities, persons with reduced mobility and older people.

However, I must emphasise to the Deputy that specialised non-public (closed) door-to-door services do not fall under my aegis. Dedicated transport services, for example to special schools, or the provision of free travel passes, fall outside of the remit of my Department and its agencies.