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School Transport.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 July 2006

Tuesday, 4 July 2006

Questions (704, 705)

John McGuinness

Question:

716 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 277 of 24 May, 2006, the action she intends to take to accommodate the children of 11 families who attend a school (details supplied) in County Kilkenny and who do not have a school bus service in view of the fact that there are seats available on the existing service; if she will engage with the bus operator to find a solution; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26134/06]

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Written answers

Bus Éireann, which operates the School Transport Service on behalf of my Department, has advised that a number of pupils attending the school referred to in the details supplied were availing of concessionary transport.

I should point out that concessionary transport is not guaranteed. Pupils availing of such transport may only do so if spare seats are available on school buses and this is determined on a term-to-term basis by reference to those who are fully eligible for transport under the terms of the school transport scheme.

The introduction of one-for-one seating arrangements on school transport services does not necessarily mean that concessionary transport will be discontinued. However, parents of pupils should check in advance of the school year to ascertain the position regarding the availability of concessionary transport on school buses.

Significant investment has been made by the Government to address capacity shortfalls arising from the phasing out of the three for two seating arrangement on school buses. A programme for Bus Éireann to acquire a number of new and modern second-hand buses is well advanced. In addition, Bus Éireann has hired-in over 220 additional vehicles from the private sector and the situation is being kept under review.

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

717 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Education and Science if, further to Parliamentary Question No. 239 of 8 June 2006, and a meeting with parents on 3 May 2006, the position relating to the need for a bus service for children attending a school (details supplied) in County Galway; the steps taken to ensure that such a service is provided; the likelihood of such being in place for the next school year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26136/06]

View answer

The circumstances of the case referred to by the Deputy in the details supplied, are being reviewed by my Department. Arrangements will be made to notify all relevant parties as soon as a decision has been made.

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