Mr. Ray Hernan:

Again, it comes down to availability. Our school bus service is provided by part-time drivers. It is not just about the availability of school buses, it is also about the availability of drivers. I am happy to co-operate with LocalLink and the NTA. If there is flexibility, I am more than happy to consider the matter.

The Deputy mentioned fleet management, or the allocation of buses and their size. This has been an issue. I acknowledge it is something on which we have focused in my time to ensure the size and capacity of buses are more aligned with the demand for the service.

One example to which the Deputy referred in the past was Athlone where the size of buses appeared to be excessive versus demand. I can confirm that, with the additional buses due to arrive between now and the end of June next year, all buses in Athlone will be replaced by others of smaller size, which will be more reflective of the demand for the service. Aligning the fleet with demand is consistently under review, both internally and also with the NTA.

The final issue to which the Deputy referred was the use of gas buses. As mentioned, that matter is under review. The last of the diesel buses with Euro 6 emissions will be delivered early next year. Beyond that date we will be restricted in the acquisition or use of diesel buses. The emissions from existing buses are consistent with those from from compressed natural gas buses.

I will refer Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív's queries about the provision of services to my colleague Mr. O'Mahony.