Mr. J.J. Kavanagh:

There is quarterly engagement. The most recent meeting was held last month. I was not at the meeting but the issue of the fuel crisis was raised at it. The Department agreed to review it. The example of how the NTA is dealing with the fuel variation difficulty and reimbursing people was given. It is imperative that something is done for the school transport sector as a matter of urgency because many of the contracts in that regard are up for renewal this year. As such, it has been five years or maybe six years in some instances because of the pandemic, since prices were set. It is totally unsustainable, therefore, and unless something is done about it, people may not be in a position to provide a service in May or June, which is a critical time for students doing exams. It is not that they do not want to provide the service; it is that financially they will not be able to afford to do so. It is an unfortunate situation but something has to be done for the sector as a matter of urgency.