Ruairí Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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571. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on the work being done to recruit more bus drivers and mechanics to Bus Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43534/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.

However, given the ongoing challenges, and in line with the PfG commitment to 'enhance and support the delivery of a skilled workforce to maintain and operate public transport vehicles', the Department has established a Public Transport Workforce Taskforce to identify options to assist with resolving these issues.

D/ Transport Chairs the taskforce and includes representatives from the school transport section in D/Education, relevant transport operators and agencies, and training bodies etc.

The aim of the taskforce is to work collaboratively to identify contributing factors to the Public Transport recruitment issues, and put forward recommendations and measures to create a pipeline of workers to address these issues, relevant transport operators and agencies, and training bodies.

The query raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for Bus Éireann. I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.