Louis O'Hara (Galway East, Sinn Fein)
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303. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport for a timeline for the introduction of free public transport for children under the age of nine, which was announced in budget 2025 and expected to be launched in quarter 3 of 2025 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37893/25]

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. This builds on the 2017 introduction of free travel for children under five on subsidised public transport services, and aims to support families with their living costs, while also encouraging public transport use from a young age. This further rollout, is in line with the Programme for Government commitment to examine the further expansion of free public transport for children.

The NTA has previously advised that subject to there being no unforeseen delays, the scheme is expected to launch in the third quarter of 2025.

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