Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 30 Sep 2003

Vol. 571 No. 1

Written Answers. - School Transport.

Denis Naughten

Question:

663 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science, further to Parliamentary Question No. 140 of 10 June 2003, if he will outline his current plans in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20966/03]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. N. Dempsey)

In 2001, following a review of the school transport scheme and taking account of the recommendations of the joint Oireachtas committee's report on school transport, a number of improvements were put in place. These included reducing the qualifying distance for eligibility for school transport for primary school pupils aged ten and over from three to two miles, in order that all primary pupils are treated equally for eligibility purposes. The number of eligible primary pupils required to establish a new school bus service was reduced from ten to seven. All school transport vehicles were provided with a communication system to enable the driver to have ready access to the depot. The scope of the remote area grants, payable to pupils in certain circumstances, was extended and the rate of grant payable increased.

The travelling and waiting time for post-primary pupils was reduced from 3 to 2.5 hours. Where feasible students who are on the early pick-up from their homes are the first to be dropped home in the evening andvice versa. Bus Éireann has replaced more than 120 older school buses in the last year, thereby improving the quality of bus in service.

A consultation paper regarding safety on school buses, including the seating arrangements and the provision of seatbelts, was produced by the Department of the Environment and Local Government, Bus Éireann and my Department. Submissions from interested parties were invited. Following an extended consultation period, a large number of responses were received and are being reviewed with a view to identifying a range of specific proposals for implementation. In addition, in view of the rapidly escalating cost of providing the school transport service, my Department has undertaken a review designed to identify efficiencies and savings, which can contribute to a containment of the cost of this service.