Private bus and coach operators, who provide two-thirds of our scheduled commercial bus services, are calling for all public transport routes to be put out for tender.

The minimum age limit for football and hurling at adult club level could be relaxed, just one year after it was introduced.

Employers are to be made responsible for drink and drug testing staff who drive for them under tough new laws being drawn up.

The Government insists there are no plans to abolish the free travel scheme for older people, amid concerns that private operators could withdraw from the scheme.