My question relates to the programme for Government and public transport, which we all agree is significantly important in keeping cars off the roads. It was useful to meet representatives from Irish Rail yesterday in order to examine the company's plans for services after 2027. I want to deal with the here and now, however. Public transport should be affordable, accessible and have appropriate capacity. Thousands of commuters take the train at Newbridge, which is in my constituency, every day. However, the price of the fare from Newbridge is twice what it is from Sallins because of the short-hop zone arrangements. This results in many people driving to Sallins to take the train from that station. There is also a capacity issue and it is not safe. Last Monday, the head of the National Transport Authority informed a meeting in Kildare that while it realised the price arrangement is unfair, it would not reduce them because it does not want to encourage people to use the trains because of capacity issues. We need new carriages on these train serves.

Does the Deputy have a question?

The efficiency and frequency of train services is quite good but there is also an issue with the stations. Toilets are not open when trains are delayed, for example.

The Government does not have any role in setting fares for public transport. That is covered under the Dublin Transport Authority Act and the National Transport Authority. On additional carriages and capacity for the rail network, I have been advised by Irish Rail from my own queries that additional carriages are being renovated and others are on order. That will improve capacity on our rail services but it is not possible to give an exact date for that.