Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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960. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills in view of the fact that the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport and her Department told the 2007 European Commission investigation into competition in the school transport scheme that the scheme was operated under contract with Bus Éireann, if she can reveal the reason her Department gave to the European Commission for the decision not to place the contract for public tender under the European Union directives on procurement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21701/15]

Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)
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As I clarified in my reply on 5th November 2014, the usage of words such as "contract" in various contexts was considered in the High Court proceedings seeking an order setting aside the arrangements between my Department and Bus Éireann for the provision of national school transport services.

Given that a Court of Appeal appeal is still pending it would be inappropriate for me to comment selectively on this aspect outside the appropriate legal forum.