James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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84. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to examine the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39729/23]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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As Minister for Transport, I am responsible for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in day-to-day operational matters of public transport operators, including those related to the operation of commercial bus services, their fare structures, or the acceptance of free travel passes. Further, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has no direct involvement with the free travel scheme on commercial services either.

While all public service obligation (PSO) transport services, including rural Local Link services, provide free travel to eligible pass holders, only some commercial operators provide the service.

Those private bus companies that have chosen to opt into the Free Travel Scheme are reimbursed for carrying non-fare paying passengers at a discount to reflect the 'fares foregone' nature of the scheme.

In view of the above, the issue raised by the Deputy would be a matter for the company concerned.

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.

The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public accessible passenger transport services nationally. The NTA also has national responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including delivering the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan and TFI Local Link services.

In light of the NTA's responsibilities for the rollout of new services, including in county Wexford, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.