Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
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114. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if it is a requirement that in order for a private school bus operator to obtain a PSV permit they must have a contract with Bus Éireann; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30763/25]

Michael Moynihan (Cork North-West, Fianna Fail)
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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 over 8,000 vehicles operating on the scheme.

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

Bus Éireann has frequent engagement with existing contractors. A national and local media advertising campaign seeking additional contractor operators for the Scheme is currently in place supported by additional targeted social media campaigns.

School transport vehicles are contracted to operate services in line with requirements of the route/contract. Many operators use these vehicles for other private commercial work also.

In order to be eligible to tender for an operating board under the School Transport Service, a bus operator must have a valid PSV licence as specified in the Conditions of Tendering. The issuing of PSV licences falls under the remit of the PSV division of An Garda Siochana.

Any tender submission that does not include the required licence will be deemed non-compliant.