School Transport Administration

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 10 April 2014

Thursday, 10 April 2014

Questions (59)

Simon Harris

Question:

59. Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will confirm that on the date that the FGS report was sent to the Department of Finance that it was not advised of any agreement in place to keep the contents of the report confidential; if he will provide the date it was sent and confirm whether or not the confidential agreement was put in place for any reason convenient to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17157/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills

The report was made available to the Department of Finance on 16th October 2009. The specific confidentiality agreement was not referred to, but the Department of Finance was advised that the report contained commercially sensitive material and was being made available solely for the use of that Department. The confidentiality agreement referred to by the Deputy was put in place prior to the commencement of the review, between Bus Éireann and FGS, to address concerns of commercial sensitivity and not for any reason convenient to the Department. It is my intention, my Department having concluded discussions with Bus Éireann in relation to issues which may be commercially sensitive, that the FGS report will be published shortly and available to the Deputy.