Vol. 553 No. 6
52 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Education and Science the details of the proposed new appeals board for school transport; when it will be established; the proposed membership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14736/02]
The main purpose of the school transport scheme is to ensure that pupils, who might otherwise have difficulty in attending school, can do so on a regular basis.
At present the scheme conveys more than 130,000 pupils, at both primary and post-primary levels, to school. In the region of 2,850 vehicles are required daily covering approximately 5,600 routes to school.
The vast majority of the school transport users are satisfied with the service provided. A number of users appeal to my Department each year for changes to be made in the delivery of the service to meet their needs. In order to increase transparency in the delivery of the system and to demonstrate to our customers that such appeals are treated in an efficient and objective manner, an independent appeals board will be established.
The new board will commence operation from the beginning of the next school year in September. At present, proposals regarding the membership of the board and the terms of reference under which it will operate are being developed.
