Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 September 2014
1240. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will update the guidelines concerning school transport runs to allow discretion where changes to routes can be made where there would not be significant additional expenditure and where the changed routes would be more convenient for the travelling students-parents and would have safer collection points; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34280/14]
View answerThe safety of children travelling on school transport services is of paramount importance to my Department and to Bus Éireann. Bus Éireann is responsible for the planning and timetabling of school transport routes and endeavours, within available resources, to ensure that each eligible child has a reasonable level of school transport service while at the same time, ensuring that vehicles are fully utilised in the most efficient and cost effective manner. Existing services are reviewed annually and arising from this review, routes may be altered or extended depending on the number and location of eligible children. Parents should liaise with their local Bus Éireann office regarding specific queries they may have on the routing and timetabling of school transport services operating in their area.
