Are we waiting for the Minister to arrive?
Dail Éireann · 2026-09-24
Party shown is the one held on 2026-09-24, frozen at parse time — not the speaker's party today.
We recognise that the NTA applies detailed statistical analysis of fare elasticity to assess the impact of fare increases on passenger demand and overall public transport usage. I am glad the Minister of State mentioned town bus services because I want to bring up the issue of Tralee town bus services.
What I am looking for is detail to ensure that no public transport services suffer, and no further public transport fare increases happen, because of it. I am glad to hear from Deputy Buttimer that the budget negotiations with the Department of public expenditure are ongoing because my question is whether the Minister will provide the €70 million in funding that the NTA says is required to avoid the increase in public transport fares.
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Are we waiting for the Minister to arrive?
We are here.
I am reluctant to say too much while the Minister himself is not here but there are about 15 Deputies who have submitted questions. They are expecting a response from the Minister. I mean no disrespect to the dream team that has arrived.
Did Kerry win the all-Ireland this year? Is the Deputy still cranky over that?
No, I am a bit cranky with the Minister for not turning up. It is not the first time he has not shown up. In all fairness, the Ministers of State are more than capable of deputising.
We will move on.