Ciarán Ahern (Dublin South West, Labour)
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296. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he intends on fulfilling the commitment contained in Budget 2025 to expand free public transport to children aged five to eight years; if there is a timeline for the roll-out of the scheme; if not, when he expects a timeline to be available; when he expects the measure to be fully implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8171/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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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.

Under Budget 2025, funding has been allocated to the Department of Transport to extend free public transport for children to include those aged 5 to 8 years. Free travel for all children under-fives on subsidised public transport services was introduced in 2017.

The extension will be introduced later this year, with a lead time involved to allow for the necessary technical changes required to facilitate the implementation of this change to child fares. Similar to the previous fare initiatives this measure marks another step towards making sustainable transport a more affordable option for more families.

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