Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour) | Oireachtas source

As the committee is aware, a report is being conducted by the Minister of State, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, on the mobility allowance. I understand an interim report will be available in the near future. To be honest, it must come out soon. My colleagues are participating in the report to find an adequate solution to the problem, which members are aware arose following the finding that the State was operating illegally in that regard. The matter will be dealt with following publication of the report. I expect a progressive solution will be found. It is the jurisdiction of the Minister of State, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, and we are working closely with her. I do not wish to pre-empt what solution she will find. I apologise as I forgot to deal with the matter.

School transport does not come under the jurisdiction of the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport. I accept that is an anomaly. Much transport for third level is operated by private operators on a licensed basis. Similar to the Aircoach issue raised by Deputy Seán Kenny, there is not an obligation, but in many cases arrangements are made. The school transport scheme is operated by Bus Éireann, which subcontracts many services. Generally speaking, Bus Éireann has knowledge of the requirements and takes them on board in the provision of a service or when contracting out a service. It has to provide a range of services, for example, those requiring 45-seat buses or for a smaller capacity. It also takes into account whether services must be provided to children or teenagers with a disability. We encourage Bus Éireann to find solutions.