205. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Transport if the RTSS is open to private commercial passenger transport operators, whose work consists of privately contracted school runs (details supplied); where or to whom will such operators apply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33438/26]

The Department of Transport is currently finalising the operation of the Road Transport Support Scheme (RTSS). The Scheme was brought to Cabinet on Tuesday, 28 April and announced at a press conference on Wednesday, 29 April. Details of how to apply for the Scheme will be made available as soon as possible

The RTSS will be available to both licenced road haulage operators and the own account sector, in respect of certain heavy goods vehicles (over 3,500kg in laden weight) where the vehicle is used in the haulage business (the carriage of goods by road). Licenced road passenger operators, subject to certain criteria, will also be eligible for support under the RTSS.

Support for operators of TFI Local Link Services will be available through the National Transport Authority (NTA), while support for school transport services will be facilitated by the Department of Education and Youth (DEY). Furthermore, transport services to islands will be facilitated by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht.

Passenger service vehicles that do not fall under the scope of supports provided by the NTA or DEY may be eligible for support under the RTSS.

The Department of Transport is developing an electronic application and processing system to facilitate payments under the RTSS. Further details on this and the eligibility criteria will be announced as soon as possible. Applications for support will be considered on a case-by-case basis in line with the criteria. This will be necessary given the complexity of most passenger service providers business models where the same operator may provide services under local link services, school transport services, and on a commercial basis.