The pupils referred to by the Deputy in the details supplied were availing of transport on a concessionary fare-paying basis under a three for two seating arrangement. However, under Regulations recently made by the Minister for Transport, seat belts must be used in buses, where fitted, which means that the three for two seating arrangement no longer applies on school buses fitted with seat belts. Bus Éireann has reported that one of the two buses serving the schools in question is already fitted with seat belts, while the owner of the second bus is anxious to have belts fitted as soon as possible. Accordingly, Bus Éireann has put arrangements in place to accommodate children on both buses on a one seat per child basis. Priority is being afforded to eligible pupils but some of those who applied for concessionary transport can be accommodated. However, the demand for concessionary transport exceeds the number of spare seats available.
I recently met with a deputation from the school referred to in the details supplied and my Department is considering a submission presented by the group. However, I must emphasise that pupils availing of concessionary transport are not guaranteed a service on an indefinite basis. The allocation of such transport has always been subject to its availability on a term-to-term basis.