Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 October 2005
521 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Science the cost to the Government of the school transport system; the method of payment to Bus Éireann; the way in which the service and customer satisfaction is monitored; if she is satisfied with the deal between Bus Éireann and the private contractors and the way in which they are paid; if there is a tender process each year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30085/05]
View answerThe allocation for school transport in 2005 is €116.533 million. Additional funding is being provided to increase capacity on school transport services to provide one-for-one seating and seat belt equipped buses. While it is not possible at this stage to give exact figures, the total spend on school transport services in 2005 is likely to exceed €120 million. The acquisition of additional buses with seat belts and the fitment of seat belts to existing buses will result in additional and recurring costs from 2006. Bus Éireann is paid monthly on the basis of monthly accounts submitted to my Department.
The Bus Éireann network of school transport offices means they can be conveniently accessed by the public and they are in regular contact with the various transport liaison officers throughout the country. Bus Éireann representatives routinely attend meetings with the public and public representatives, when requested, to ensure that customer satisfaction is maintained. Bus Éireann also operates a lo-call information line on behalf of my Department to handle any school transport related queries from members of the public.
Essential tailor-made systems and procedures have been put in place over time to ensure that school transport services are administered and delivered in a consistently efficient and economic fashion, and to the highest standards. Bus Éireann negotiates with contractors annually.
