Vol. 518 No. 4
62 Mr. Coveney asked the Minister for Education and Science the discussions, if any, his officials have had with officials with the Department of the Environment and Local Government regarding the Joint Committee on Education and Science report on school transport; the decisions taken in relation to the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11751/00]
The report of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on School Transport deals with a broad range of transport issues and contains many recommendations for changes to the school trans port system. Some of these recommendations contain major implications in relating to funding.
It is expected that officials from my Department will be in a position to meet with officials from the Department of the Environment and Local Government at an early date to discuss the recommendations relating to that Department.
An assessment, including costings, of the various recommendations of the report is ongoing. Some improvements have been already announced in relation to areas where assessments have been complete. These include extended eligibility for pupils where bullying is proven or the nearest school building is physically unsuitable. In addition, school buses will be required to carry communication systems and guidelines will be issued to schools where buses are hired outside of the school transport system. Further announcements will be made as assessment of other recommendations are completed.
