Mr. Seán Ó Foghlú:

There are two different EU cases, but they are linked. From our Department's point of view, we have updated the Commission regarding the organisation of Bus Éireann and indicated that it is our agreed intention to ensure at a stage in the future that the school transport element of Bus Éireann is clearly identifiable within that company. We are moving towards that, but there are further changes to ensure that it takes place. A benchmarking exercise is being undertaken and a methodology is being developed by Bus Éireann as regards the relative costs of its direct provision and its private contractor provision, a matter that the Deputy touched on in his previous question.