Vol. 508 No. 4
250 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will extend the expiry time of control bus passes from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. for school children who, due to study or sporting involvement, may not be able to avail of the pass before the present expiry time. [19253/99]
Under the terms of the school transport scheme, transport can be provided on either a special service or on public scheduled services.
The term tickets issued under the school transport scheme are designed to facilitate a pupil's attendance during normal school hours, and the validity of these tickets could not be extended to cover extra curricular activities.
Pupils using the scheduled services are in a similar position to those using special services. Such buses do not delay their evening departure time for pupils who stay in school beyond the normal time. Furthermore, the 17.00 hour rule reduces the demand during peak times on the scheduled services.
Consequently, it is not open to my Department to allow students use their term tickets on public scheduled services after 5 p.m.
