Debate contribution: yLink Smart Cards

Debate contribution by Ms Liz Kimmins on 13 October 2026.

MLA: Ms Liz Kimmins
Party at the time: Sinn Féin
Date: 13 October 2026
Type: Debate contribution (made as a minister)
Business: Oral Answers to Questions
Heading: yLink Smart Cards
Assembly identifier: Official Report component 5789859

Text

I have not had direct engagement on that, but I have been contacted by quite a number of young people, and I know the strength of feeling out there. I completely understand the impact that this will have on young people and, indeed, their families. The scheme gives young people an element of independence, in that they can get about by themselves without worrying about the cost or having to rely on others. It is important to emphasise that I feel that the scheme is essential, and I hope that we can get to a point where the budget is available to ensure that it continues, because I know that the impacts of losing the discount would be far-reaching. My message to young people today is this: I hear you, I see you, and I will do everything that I can to ensure that those discounts are protected as far as possible. We will continue to work very closely with Translink in that vein.

164 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.

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