Grace Boland (Dublin Fingal West, Fine Gael)
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283. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will investigate the customer service standards of the National Transport Authority in relation to Leap card applications for children, including the reasons for unexplained rejections and the lack of clear communication with applicants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55237/25]

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.

With regard to the complaints process involving the NTA, their Customer Charter describes the NTA's commitments to public transport customers. While the NTA's Customer Action plan describes how they deliver the commitments and standards that are set out in the Customer Charter. In the event that someone wishes to raise a complaint with the NTA, they can contact them through any of the following means:

Email: info@transportforireland.ie;

Phone: 01 879 8300;

By Letter: National Transport Authority, Dún Scéine, Iveagh Court, Harcourt Lane, Dublin 2; and

Twitter: @TFIupdates

The NTA will acknowledge all customer complaints received, and they aim to issue a full response in a timely manner. The NTA also use independent market research providers to audit and offer suggested improvements to their services. As such, the NTA remain the body best placed to assist with any queries or concerns in relation to public transport services.

In the event that a complaint submitted to the NTA has not been responded to/resolved, the matter can ultimately be escalated to the Office of the Ombudsman.

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

Grace Boland (Dublin Fingal West, Fine Gael)
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284. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the National Transport Authority uses third-party contractors based outside the State to process Leap card applications; and if he will provide assurances regarding the security and data protection standards applied to personal information submitted by Irish citizens; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55238/25]

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.

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

Grace Boland (Dublin Fingal West, Fine Gael)
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285. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will request the NTA for the reason official correspondence regarding Leap card applications is being sent from a UK-based email domain; if he will ensure that all communications related to Irish public transport services are managed securely and transparently within the jurisdiction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55239/25]

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.

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