Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal, Labour)
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182. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the estimated yearly cost of extending the young adult Leap card to 24-year-olds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21262/23]

Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal, Labour)
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183. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the estimated yearly cost of providing free public transport to under 25-year-olds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21263/23]

Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal, Labour)
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184. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the estimated yearly cost of providing a 20% public transport fare reduction for under 25-year-olds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21264/23]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 182 to 184, inclusive, 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 PSO programme represents a significant expenditure of taxpayers' money, and funding has increased in recent years to cater for additional services and growing capacity. Any assessment of a proposed change to public transport fare structures would be a matter for the NTA to consider in the first instance.

In relation to the commerical bus operators, it should be noted that these operators are responsible for setting their own fares and therefore it would not be within the remit of the NTA to estimate the cost to the Exchequer of subsidising the waiving of all fares on these services.

Therefore, in view of the above I have forwarded the Deputy’s questions in relation to PSO fares, to the NTA for direct reply. He should advise my private office if he does not receive a response within ten working days.