There is an urgent need to revisit the requirement for physical distancing in our school transport system. We know that five- to 12-year-olds are now the group with the highest Covid incidence rate. I have been contacted by a local private bus operator providing school transport services who has raised serious concern about the removal of physical distancing requirements. The operator carries out hundreds of school bus contracts daily and has seen an increasing number of bus drivers testing positive for Covid-19. Needless to say, operators are seeking the extension of physical distancing within our school bus transport system. I have contacted the Department of Education directly on this matter, but I would appreciate if the Tánaiste could provide any information as to whether this will be revisited.

In line with the lifting of restrictions on public transport, and with effect from the return of schools following the October mid-term break, implementation commenced for post primary school transport services to resume operating at 100% capacity. With regard to post-primary special needs transport services, the Department will work with schools on a case-by-case basis where such services are required to continue operating at 50% capacity. All measures in relation to hygiene, preassigned seating, cleaning and the wearing of masks by post-primary students will remain subject to further review. As the Deputy will be aware, NPHET is meeting today and will give particular consideration to the very dramatic rise in cases among school children and will advise the Government on any further measures that may need to be taken.