School Transport Administration

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 June 2014

Tuesday, 24 June 2014

Questions (183)

Gerry Adams

Question:

183. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Education and Skills how the tendering system introduced by Bus Éireann for its school routes works; if there has been any consultation with smaller bus operators regarding this system; the measures in place to ensure all bus routes are divided equally among bus operators; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26624/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills

Bus Éireann, which operates the School Transport Scheme on behalf of my Department, has advised that the tendering procedure used for the provision of school transport services is a competitive procurement process conducted in accordance with the negotiated procedure under Directive 2004/17/EC. Due to the nature, volume and complexities of the School Transport Scheme, there is a requirement to establish panels of suitably pre-qualified potential service providers in each School Transport local office so that they may be invited to tender for the provision of services on School Transport Scheme routes (i.e. Operating Boards) in an efficient and effective manner. These Qualification Panels are established on a county basis and on the basis of the vehicle types required.

Under the process, Bus Éireann advertises the establishment of a qualification system each year in respect of a percentage of the Operating Boards. Compliant applicants are evaluated against published selection criteria and successful applicants are admitted to their selected Qualification Panels. Operators can apply to qualify to a Qualification Panel(s) at any time during the term of the Qualification Panel(s).

When requirements for school transport services arise during the term of the Qualification Panels, service providers on the relevant Qualification Panels may be invited to submit a tender for those services. Compliant tenders are evaluated against published award criteria and a contract is awarded to the most economically advantageous tender. Successful tenderers are awarded a contract for up to five years, subject to an annual review.