Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 22 January 2026
373. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Education and Youth the efforts which will be made in 2026 to ensure that new contracts for the school transport scheme will be issued without delay after the expiry of the current term in June; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5381/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth.
It is a demand led scheme based on the number of eligible children who apply. The scheme is operated using a mix of Bus Éireann owned vehicles and private contractors.
As part of the operation of the scheme, Bus Éireann manages the procurement tender process and contact management arrangements to include services provided by contractors. This includes the procurement tendering process to include services provided by contractors under the scheme. This is a competitive process conducted in accordance with the negotiated procedure under national and EU procurement legislation. Contracts are awarded in line with procurement guidelines.
