724. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a risk assessment has been conducted at bus stops, train stations and on public transport in view of the increasing number of passengers returning during the period of ongoing Covid-19 restriction; if large numbers waiting at train stations are considered mass gatherings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12462/20]

The Government has been clear that continued operation of the public transport sector is important, and it has been designated among the essential services that are to carry on. I would like to thank operators and staff for their continued dedication to providing this vital service in such challenging times.

A number of measures have been introduced across the system, guided by public health advice, to ensure the continued operation of services during the pandemic, including enhanced cleaning regimes and social distancing measures across the network. My Department is engaging directly with the National Transport Authority (NTA) in relation to these measures and the NTA is coordinating the response of public transport operators.

Accordingly, 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.