Jack Wall
Question:141 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science when a bus operator will be paid arrears in relation to a family he collects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9363/01]
Written Answers. - School Transport.
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that all outstanding transport claims for the transport service concerned have been processed in my Department and arrangements have been made for the relevant payments to issue to the administrator of this transport service.
Under current arrangements, my Department reimburses 98% of the transport costs for special transport services provided for Traveller pupils. Claims under the scheme are made to my Department on a monthly basis, in arrears. I understand that delays were experienced in my Department in processing the claims for the transport service concerned. However, officials of my Department have been in contact with both the transport operator and the administrator concerned to express regret at these delays and in an effort to clarify concerns raised.