Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

There was discussion, communication and ongoing engagement with Bus Éireann in advance of the announcement by Government. Of course, they were formally informed of the decision. There is no decision until it is passed and verified by Cabinet. That is exactly what happened in this instance. That is true of any other initiative that is taken by Government. It does not come to pass until it is ratified by Cabinet. There were discussions. My officials engaged in discussions about a variety of options with Bus Éireann. There was no question about its ability to meet the challenge, given that it had previously met it right throughout the Covid-19 pandemic at 50% capacity. At no point was there an issue that Bus Éireann could not meet what was being requested of it.