Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent)
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206.To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Bus Eireann are now charging €2 per journey for people who have an up to date free travel pass; if that is a Government charge introduced directly by him or is this a charge which is being collected by Bus Eireann which the minister has sanctioned; if he will he introduce a phone booking system for people especially older people who have no access to internet services and cannot book a seat from Bus Eireann on-line[34169/24]

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, the NTA does not have a role in the setting of fares for services provided by commercial operators, including Bus Éireann Expressway. That is a matter for the individual commercial operators themselves. Regarding your query on the booking system, this is also an operational matter for the company.

In light of the above, I have forwarded the Deputy's questions in relation to fares for free travel pass holders on services to Bus Éireann, for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.