School Transport.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 October 2008

Tuesday, 21 October 2008

Questions (527)

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

620 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason school transport scheme discriminates between the Luas light-rail service and other public transport companies under the management of CIÉ in terms of permitting children to get subsidised transport when travelling to and from school; his views on the fact that a large number of children travel to school every day by the Luas and that their parents have to pay sums of money to do so; the steps being taken to resolve this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35856/08]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Science (Deputy Seán Haughey)

Eligible pupils may avail of school transport services, subject to certain criteria, under the terms of my Department's Primary or Post Primary School Transport Schemes which are operated on behalf of the Department by Bus Éireann. Bus Éireann has advised my Department that pupils, where eligible, residing in the Dublin area served by the Luas are adequately catered for by scheduled bus and DART services and, thus, Luas is not included in the current arrangements. My Department is asking Bus Éireann to review this arrangement.