Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael)
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214. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the age rules will be amended to allow 16-, 17- and 18-year-old students in third level education to apply for the student Leap card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1011/23]

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.

The Young Adult Card (YAC) was initially introduced on PSO services in May 2022 and was later broadened to include participating Commercial Bus Operators (CBOs) on the 4th of September 2022. In October 2022 the YAC was further extended to include third levels students aged 16- to 18. 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.