Denise Mitchell (Dublin Bay North, Sinn Fein)
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181. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if consideration is being given to extending the young adult and student leap card scheme to secondary school students who may be travelling inter-city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48003/22]

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.

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. 

In Budget 2023, I secured funding for the continuation of 20% average fare discount on PSO services, and the continuation of the Young Adult Card on both PSO bus and rail services, and on commercial bus services. The Young Adult Card is currently being extended to include those third level students who are aged 16 to 18. While it is not intended to extend the Young Adult Card and Student Leap card to secondary school students, it is important to note that child fares are available on all PSO services for passengers under the age of 18.