Charles Ward (Donegal, 100% Redress Party)
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309. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport whether he would consider introducing free public transport to people under the age of 18; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11287/25]

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.

The Government recently confirmed its commitment to improving public transport under the new Programme for Government (PFG)- Securing Ireland’s Future and is backing up that commitment with significant investments across the bus and rail network. Specifically included in the PFG are commitments to:

• Roll out contactless fare payments on all public transport and keep fares low and affordable; and
• Examine the further expansion of free public transport for children.