Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I acknowledge that Deputy O'Sullivan raised a similar issue. I also acknowledge that in the current school year Bus Éireann reported particular issues with the availability of drivers and contractors. This included a number handing contracts back unexpectedly and the receipt of zero bids handed out for contracts tendered out in certain areas. This is against a backdrop of significant driver shortages in the labour market overall, and competing demands for drivers to deliver additional public service initiatives such as Connecting Ireland, BusConnects, Local Link services and such schemes.

Bus Éireann continues to prioritise sourcing drivers and contractors for the small number of areas where transport is not available. As well as commencing the planning process earlier for the 2024-2025 school year, the Department engages with Bus Éireann daily relating to operational matters. Monthly operational and quarterly strategic meetings are also held. The Department continues to engage closely with Bus Éireann on the current and future availability of drivers and contractors, which as reported is the wider issue nationally. The Department of Education also engages regularly with the Department of Transport and the National Transport Authority.

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