539. Deputy Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin asked the Minister for Transport if he will engage with the National Transport Authority (NTA) regarding the lengthy delays and, in some cases, lack of responses to correspondence from Oireachtas Members and constituency offices; whether he is satisfied with the current level of engagement and communication between the NTA and public representatives on behalf of constituents; the measures being taken to improve response times and accountability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57790/26]

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 statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.

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 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 (Make A Complaint | Ombudsman.ie | The Office Of The Ombudsman).

In light of the NTA's responsibilities in matters related to their area, the Deputy's questions are forwarded to the NTA for direct reply. Minister O’Brien has advised to contact his office if the Deputy does not receive a response within the required timeframe of ten working days. If any delay is reported, the Minister seeks clarification on the reason for the delay and confirmation of when the outstanding responses will be provided by the NTA.