Mr. Aidan Murphy:

The latest equipment we are getting is Euro 6 engines, which is the highest level in Europe. In terms of the effect on the environment, it is a significant improvement on the earlier engine types. We have tried alternatives to diesel but they have not been cost competitive up to now. That is an issue. Obviously we must ensure we do not increase our costs beyond where they are. We will continue to look at all of the options as better new equipment becomes available. From Bus Éireann's point of view electric is probably not within our scope at this point given the distance we travel. Perhaps it is something we can consider in the future in the cities of Cork, Limerick and Galway. We will keep that under consideration.

With regard to the final question, I presume the Deputy is talking about the Department of Education and Skills.