School Transport Provision

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 September 2013

Wednesday, 18 September 2013

Questions (345)

John O'Mahony

Question:

345. Deputy John O'Mahony asked the Minister for Education and Skills if Bus Éireann publishes a profit and loss account; if Bus Éireann makes a profit on school bus routes; if there is a written contract between Bus Éireann and the State for the provision of school bus services; if there is not, if he is satisfied that the agreement in place at present could be terminated at no cost to the State; the type of agreement that is in place between Bus Éireann and the State for the provision of school bus services; the conditions of this agreement, and the reason is it not put out to tender; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37996/13]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills

Matters raised by the Deputy in his question have been the subject of a recent Commercial High Court case taken by Student Transport Scheme Ltd against the Minister for Education and Skills.

This case spanned a period of six days and the judgement delivered on 23rd October 2012 found in favour of the Minister. For the information and assistance of the Deputy, this detailed judgement is available on the Courts Service website. This judgement is currently the subject of a potential appeal by Student Transport Scheme Ltd to the Supreme Court.

I am sure that the Deputy will accept that matters that may be raised in the context of such a appeal should properly be addressed in that forum.