David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 226: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills when a contract, currently held by Bus Éireann, for the rural school transport scheme terminates; if this contract was subject to public tendering process; if not, if he will advise if this is in contravention of European Union law and if future contracts will be subject to public tendering processes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24190/11]

Ciarán Cannon (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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Administrative arrangements exist between Bus Éireann (formerly CIÉ) and the Department since 1968 to provide the general school transport services, which were updated in 1975 and which have been adapted as required to meet evolving needs.

The Value for Money Review of the School Transport Schemes concluded that, particularly in the context of the complexities of deciding on eligibility for school transport, procuring school transport and developing networks for school transport, a single national organiser with a regional dimension to operate the scheme is required and that in the medium term this should continue to be Bus Éireann.

My Department is satisfied that the current administrative arrangements with Bus Éireann do not contravene E.U. Regulations.