Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I have a follow-on question about another group of important transport workers, namely, private bus operators. Many of them are struggling to make ends meet and are dependent on the school bus transport scheme. Many operate outside of the State Bus Éireann scheme and are essentially unsupported, outside of the general schemes that are available in fairness to the Government. They are unsupported by the likes of the Bus Éireann subsidy and are struggling to make ends meet. They are in a precarious position because schools have been closed for so many weeks.

They have specifically asked that the scheme whereby they can remain in receipt of PUP and work and earn at the same time be extended to allow them to get their buses back on the road until such time as schools are fully reopened so that they can tax their buses and ensure they are in a roadworthy condition. Buses have been laid up and no income has been coming in. As soon as the schools return there will be demand for their services.

I am referring specifically to non-State, non-Bus Éireann services. I estimate that such services carry approximately 60,000 children to school on a daily basis. Is this something that the Minister of State is aware of? Will she consider addressing this situation?