John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

That is the issue. Ms Stewart is from the Office of Government Procurement. Bus Éireann is paid for by taxpayers, that is, directly from the Government to Bus Éireann. In turn, Bus Éireann uses independent operators. Presumably, the 13 defendants are part of the provision by Bus Éireann of the school transport system. However, the school transport system and that contract with Bus Éireann is never tendered.