Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I wish to raise the issue of the viability of the school bus transport service. Providers are under huge pressure with costs. The Minister is aware of this. The Coach Tourism and Transport Council has indicated that 95% of providers are under pressure to deliver services until the end of year. We have seen flexibility from the Government as announced in recent days around construction costs. School transport providers are similarly locked into contracts that are unviable for them. We want to see school bus transport expanded but will we have the service providers to do this? I am concerned about that. I am aware that there are discussions between the Department, Bus Éireann and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. Can I get an update on those discussions? When can providers expect to hear from the Minister?

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