I propose to take Questions Nos. 168 and 174 together.
The recommendations of the joint Oireachtas committee report on school transport were taken into account when my Department reviewed the guidelines regarding the travelling and waiting times for pupils on school transport last year. Following the review it was decided to reduce the maximum combined travelling and waiting time for post-primary pupils from three hours to 2.5 hours. This decision was in line with the committees recommendations and was implemented from January 2001.
The combined maximum daily travelling and waiting time for primary school pupils is 1.5 hours. In the event of a breach of the guidelines being brought to the attention of my Department the case will be investigated in consultation with Bus Éireann, which operates the school transport scheme on behalf of my Department.