To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether she intends to actively explore enhanced Home to School Provision to provide greater social distancing in order to limit the transmission of COVID-19 via (i) increased Translink services; (ii) utilisation of private coach operators; and (iii) engagement of private taxis, where relevant regulatory arrangements permit.

I have engaged with the Education Minister on various school transportation issues throughout the pandemic, including how best to provide additional capacity on school services in a way that protects other passengers on our public transport network. As a result of this engagement, Translink agreed to provide an additional 500 school buses, and has also designated some of the public timetabled services as “schools only".

I have also raised with Minister Weir the potential to utilise private buses and coaches and taxis to provide additional school transport capacity. However, the responsibility for making any such arrangements lies with his Department.