Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 6 Feb 1996

Vol. 461 No. 1

Written Answers - School Transport Scheme.

Hugh Byrne

Question:

157 Mr. H. Byrne asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the fact that in the operation of the school transport scheme under the aegis of her Department, there have been many instances where pupils are picked up at 7.05 a.m. and left home at 5.20 p.m.; if her attention has further been drawn to the fact that in many instances buses arrive late at unsheltered pick up points; if her attention has further been drawn to the fact that in some instances buses do not arrive on particular days due to breakdowns; if her attention has further been drawn to the fact that as a result children spend all day in classrooms in wet clothes; the proposals, if any, she has to improve this service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2563/96]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

Bus Éireann, which operates the school transport scheme on behalf of my Department, is obliged to do so in the most efficient and cost-effective manner. In order to achieve this, individual vehicles are generally required to operate a number of services to both primary and post-primary schools. This inevitably means that the time-table often requires some pupils to make an early start in the mornings and to wait for some time in the evenings. This is, and has always been, a feature of the school transport scheme as operated throughout the country. Every effort is made, however, to keep waiting times to a minimum.

With approximately 2,500 vehicles involved each day in operating the school transport scheme, it is inevitable that the occasional delay or breakdown will occur. I can assure the Deputy that all reasonable steps are taken to minimise such problems. The condition of the school bus fleet is continually monitored, and stringent checks are put in place to provide the most reliable service possible.

I have arranged for a full-scale review of the school transport scheme, and a committee to carry out this review has recently been set up. This committee will examine all aspects of the operation of the scheme, and I expect that its report and recommendations will be available later in the year.