James McDaid
Question:20 Dr. McDaid asked the Minister for Education her position in relation to primary school transport in County Donegal; and if she will initiate a survey in relation to this matter. [10168/97]
Written Answers. - School Transport.
The main objective of the school transport scheme is to provide a basic level of service for children who live long distances from school and who would otherwise experience difficulty attending school on a regular basis. My Department strives to provide the best level of service to as many pupils as possible, within the constraints of the resources available.
The primary school transport scheme is operated on a national basis by Bus Éireann as agent of my Department. The service in County Donegal is administered under the same guidelines as elsewhere throughout the country, and I am satisfied that the standard of service in County Donegal is on a par with the service provided in other counties.
A committee was established last year to review the school transport scheme. This review has now been completed and I expect the committee's report to be presented to me very shortly. In the meantime I have no plans to initiate a survey on primary school transport in County Donegal as requested by the Deputy.