Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 September 2015
1279. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of school bus services that were due to be withdrawn this year and where the decision was reversed due to the fact that adequate formal notice was not provided in relation to the withdrawal of the service for the year 2015 to 2016; the schools in question, providing the name and full postal address of each school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31365/15]
View answerUnder the terms of my Department's Primary and Post Primary School Transport Scheme a minimum number of 10 eligible children residing in a distinct locality, as determined by Bus Éireann, are required before consideration may be given to the establishment or retention of school transport services, provided this can be done within reasonable cost limits. The Deputy will be aware that an Island service which had fallen below this minimum number requirement was retained for the 2015/16 school year as it was felt that families did not receive sufficient notice regarding this withdrawal; Bus Éireann has confirmed that this was the only service retained on this basis.
