Mr. Seán Ó Foghlú:

Bus Éireann is, of course, working on our behalf. We took the unprecedented step of continuing 50% funding for private transport for the duration of the closure of schools. That arrangement had been in place for occasional closed days. As a protection for the industry and to seek that the buses would be available on their return, we continued to fund 50% even though no transport was being provided. That was a significant commitment on behalf of the Department and the State to that group of private bus owners. They were also able to access payments for staff, or staff were able to access them directly if they were laid off. We recognise the challenge because we are part of a wider sector. We are working with Bus Éireann. Not everything is retendered. It is a rolling retendering. They are contacting the groups they have continuing relationships with and they are also tendering. We are listening very closely to the views of the representative bodies about how challenged they are at the moment.