Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 3 October 2013
101. Deputy Luke 'Ming' Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will explain what the item return to risk for Bus Éireann means as it appears in the Bus Éireann bill for school transport posted on his website; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41579/13]
View answerI take it the Deputy is referring to the Bus Eireann Audited Accounts 2010 Explanatory Note on the Department website. The administration heading, amounting to €18.2m in 2010, covers some direct costs, indirect support costs, indirect regional costs, property and a contribution. This figure was reduced to €16.7m in 2011. A breakdown of both the 2010 and 2011 figures is available on the Committee of Public Accounts website.
The contribution element - €4.6m in 2010 and €3.5m in 2011 - provides funds for specific capital investment in School Transport services and administration for example IT to deliver future cost savings, a portion of general capital investment for example garage equipment that serves all three businesses – Commercial, PSO and School Transport, reduction of cost base through voluntary severance for schools staff (direct and support) and a return to risk associated with School Transport business. Return to risk relates to a contingency which can only be used to defray costs arising from any of the risks associated with Bus Eireann's operation and management of the School Transport Scheme. The school transport element is a €160m scheme and employs a significant number of staff, directly and indirectly.
