Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I appreciate the Deputy's points. There are 6,159 vehicles operating services under the school transport scheme, of which 5,880 are operated by private contractors under contract with Bus Éireann. A high proportion of operators are private contractors. Bus Éireann is receiving a significant volume of calls from contractors inquiring about the financial situation. One or two contractors have formally indicated that they may have difficulty maintaining their contracts through the school year. We hope that situation will not materialise in many cases.

According to a survey conducted by the CTTC, two thirds of its members have seen an increase in fuel costs of more than 50% over the past 12 months and would require an increase of approximately 30% to 35% in contract rates to compensate them and allow them to continue operating services.

I have outlined the scale of the difficulties involved. The Department of Education and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform are in discussions on the severity of the situation. I am conscious of the contrast the Deputy made with the road haulage sector. I do not want anyone to take it that I am saying it will be addressed, but we are conscious of that fact in our discussions.

School transport is being provided for pupils who have arrived from Ukraine and been enrolled in schools. The Department is making arrangements to deal with such cases, depending on where their accommodation is located. Further details on the additional requirements in terms of school transport for Ukrainian children and others who have come to Ireland will be issued shortly.

See this speech in context