Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein)
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187. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the discrepancy where students aged 19 years with a student Leap card can avail of reduced transport costs while students aged 18 years cannot; if he will examine extending this to allow 18-year-old students the same access to more affordable transport as 19-year-old students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48100/22]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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210. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the timeframe for when the young adult Leap card will be extended to include 16 to 18-year-olds in third level education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48616/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 187 and 210 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 issue of 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.

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