Vol. 528 No. 1
412 Mr. P. Carey asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will confirm that the extra bus which was provided for the transport of school children between schools (details supplied) in County Roscommon will be provided on a permanent basis; if its introduction was a short-term measure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29496/00]
The aim of the school transport scheme is to provide a basic level of service for rural pupils who might otherwise experience difficulty in attending school regularly. Given the high costs involved, this must be achieved in an efficient and cost effective manner.
The position in relation to the centre referred to by the Deputy was that the school bus service in question was oversubscribed at the start of the current school term. It was not possible to operate an additional run by that bus to cater for the surplus pupils. There was another school bus service available with surplus capacity, within a reasonable distance, but the families refused to avail of this service and demanded that an additional vehicle be provided. I understand that there were four pupils involved.
As a temporary measure and in order to accommodate the pupils in question, it was decided to introduce an additional bus, pending a review by Bus Éireann of the overall transport situation in the area.
