1230. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Education and Youth the average age of school buses that have been part of the Bus Éireann fleet in each of the past three years, in tabular form. [56214/26]

The School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth.

The scheme is operated using a mix of Bus Éireann owned vehicles and private contractor vehicles.

As part of the operation of the scheme, Bus Éireann manages the procurement tender process and contract management arrangements to include services provided by contractors under the School Transport Scheme.

Bus Eireann has advised that the approximate average age of school buses that have been part of the Bus Eireann fleet for the years specified is 17 years.