School Transport Tendering

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 21 October 2015

Wednesday, 21 October 2015

Ceisteanna (142)

Tom Fleming

Ceist:

142. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will meet a delegation from school bus contractors in County Kerry regarding the unfair competition in the tendering and procurement processes, which has resulted in a dramatic loss of contracts by these operators, has led to consequential job losses, and will be a major contributory factor to eventually putting many of these employers out of business; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36677/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills

It is a matter for Bus Éireann, which operates the school transport scheme on behalf of my Department, to procure contractors to provide services for school transport purposes.

Bus Éireann is obliged to tender all works, goods and services in line with the European Directives on public procurement, which includes school transport services performed by contractors under the School Transport Scheme.

A meeting with Bus Éireann management can be arranged to clarify the procurement process.