School Transport Provision

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 October 2014

Wednesday, 22 October 2014

Questions (163)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

163. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will review an issue (details supplied) regarding student transport; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40494/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills

Bus Éireann, which operates the school transport scheme on behalf of my Department, has confirmed that from a safety perspective there is not a suitable turning point at the school in question.

Bus Éireann has advised that some of the school transport services pass the school each morning and depending on the direction that the bus is coming from, children are set down at their school. In the evening all children must travel to meet the services at a central point.

Central drop off and collection points are a common feature of the school transport scheme and the level of service available to the children in question is considered reasonable in the context of the scheme nationally.