Paudie Coffey (Waterford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. Nolan and his colleagues for their presentation. I would like to set out my position on the issue about which Deputy Dooley has expressed concern. I understand his worries and frustrations as a Deputy and as a parliamentarian. I would like to reiterate what the Chairman has said. The committee has received strong legal advice to the effect that the documents presented to the committee should not be circulated. If we were to do so, we could prejudice matters that are before the courts at present. I do not think anything is preventing the Deputy from receiving the papers in question from Bus Éireann, which is a semi-State company, if he so wishes. He can do what he feels fit with them at that stage. That point needs to be made clear.

Mr. Nolan mentioned two policy documents - the good faith reporting statement, which is a CIE policy document, and the code of business ethics for employees. Could he tell me, without disclosing any specific details, how often these policies are reviewed and adopted by Bus Éireann management? Are employees fully aware of their obligations under these policies? If so, how are they made aware of them? Do they sign something to indicate that they understand and accept their obligations? Has Bus Éireann ever had any reason to discipline employees under the terms of these policy documents? Perhaps those questions can be answered without disclosing any specific details.

I note that the model used to deliver school transport relies largely on outsourcing. Approximately 90% of vehicles used under the school transport scheme are provided and operated by contractors. Does Bus Éireann run a risk management and analysis system to ensure compliance not only from a health and safety and vehicle fitness perspective, but also from a public procurement and financial probity perspective? Who is the person within the organisation who is responsible for ensuring full compliance? How often is that system audited and reported on to the executive?