Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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275. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the situation where private operators could not participate in the initiative on the February bank holiday weekend whereby Leap card holders could bring another person for free on public transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13237/23]

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. However, unlike with PSO services, the National Transport Authority (NTA) do not set, monitor or regulate fares on services run by commercial operators.

The Leap+1 initiative was a once-off campaign by the NTA to encourage increased usage of public transport services by Leap card holders. I had no role in this initiative nor was it subsidised by any public/exchequer funds.

Therefore, in light of the NTA's responsibility in this matter, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.