School Transport Provision

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 9 April 2014

Wednesday, 9 April 2014

Questions (58, 71, 72)

Luke 'Ming' Flanagan

Question:

58. Deputy Luke 'Ming' Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide in tabular form for schools in County Roscommon for the school years, 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14 in respect of minibus, medium bus and large bus as a category, the list of routes-landing boards giving the route number and first pick up point and terminus point; the route distances in kilometres; the maximum number of pupils on each route; the maximum waiting times that occur for each route; the average waiting times for each route; the maximum travelling times that occur for each route and the average travelling times for each route and show the national averages for comparative purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16880/14]

Luke 'Ming' Flanagan

Question:

71. Deputy Luke 'Ming' Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will indicate in tabular form for schools in County Roscommon from the financial year 2010 onwards regarding the school transport scheme in respect of children with special needs as a single category; the average number of pupils carried; the total number carried; the cost per pupil on an average basis; the cost per pupil on total number basis; the breakdown between taxi costs and attendant cost; the percentage cost increase or decrease per child for the period on a yearly basis; the national averages for comparative purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16967/14]

Luke 'Ming' Flanagan

Question:

72. Deputy Luke 'Ming' Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will indicate for schools in County Roscommon for the school years, 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14 in respect of minibus, medium bus and large bus as a category, the list of routes; the route distances; the maximum number of pupils on each route; the maximum waiting times that occur for each route; the average waiting times for each route; the national averages for comparative purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16968/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills

I propose to take Questions Nos. 58, 71 and 72 together.

Bus Éireann, which operates the school transport scheme on behalf of my Department, is responsible for the procurement of contractors to provide transport services under the School Transport Scheme. Bus Éireann is also responsible for the planning and timetabling of school transport routes. Bus Éireann endeavours, within available resources, to ensure that each eligible child has a reasonable level of school transport service in the context of the Scheme nationally. Routes are planned on the basis of the locations of children who are eligible for school transport only.

The level of detailed information sought by the Deputy is not readily available. In this regard I have asked Bus Éireann to forward such information as is available directly to the Deputy.