Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
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225. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will confirm whether all mechanics currently employed or contracted by public bodies, local authorities, or State-funded companies to maintain and service heavy-duty mechanically propelled vehicles possess the specific qualifications required under Irish and EU law to work on such vehicles; if he will outline the minimum legal and regulatory requirements in place under Irish law and under relevant EU directives (details supplied) governing the qualification of transport maintenance personnel; if she will confirm whether these requirements are being fully adhered to by all public contractors; if she has conducted any audits or received any reports of unqualified or inadequately certified personnel performing such work; if she will outline what enforcement or oversight mechanisms are in place to ensure public safety, especially in relation to vehicles involved in the carriage of children or vulnerable persons.; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28985/25]

Michael Moynihan (Cork North-West, Fianna Fail)
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The School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. 

The scheme is made up of three separate schemes, the school transport scheme for primary, post primary and for children with special educational needs.  

The School Transport Scheme is a demand led scheme based on the number of children who apply.  The scheme is operated using a mix of Bus Éireann owned vehicles and directly recruited drivers, and private contractors who recruit their own drivers to operate on the scheme.

As part of the operation of the scheme, Bus Éireann manages the procurement tender process and contract management arrangements to include services provided by contractors under the School Transport Scheme. There are currently in the region of 8,200 vehicles operating on the scheme.

The competitive procurement process is conducted in accordance with the negotiated procedure under national and EU procurement legislation.  

As over 90% of school bus services are contracted locally, each contractor is responsible for ensuring that all the required standards are in place in relation to vehicle maintenance. The safety of children and young people using the school transport scheme is of paramount importance.

Bus Éireann only consider candidates with recognised QQI Level 6 or equivalent Heavy Vehicle Mechanic qualification with demonstrable experience working on Heavy Vehicles.