I refer to the programme for Government commitments, one of which is a review of the school transport scheme. What steps are the Minister for Education and Skills and the Government taking to intervene in the bus strike in respect of school transport? There are reports in the newspapers this morning that, unexpectedly to some extent some would say, school transport is likely to be affected. Drivers affected may be balloted; other drivers will not want to pass pickets. What plans has the Government in place to get children to school?

The Minister of State, Deputy Halligan, is away-----

His boss is there.

-----but I am sure he reports to the Minister, Deputy Bruton, on all issues in this regard so I will ask Deputy Bruton to comment on this.

I make the general point that we have a very professional Workplace Relations Commission and Labour Court which have huge experience and the idea of individual Ministers getting involved in industrial disputes is unwise in my view.

We have been in close contact with the various bodies providing school transport to ensure, as best as possible, that we can protect that service. We are very alert to the concerns of parents and children, particularly children with special educational needs. We are not, however, involved in industrial relations issues, which, as the Taoiseach said, are not a matter for the Minister for Education and Skills or the Minister of State in the Department.