asked the Minister for Education if he accepts that a more efficient school transport system is required; if he has any proposals in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers . - School Transport .
17.
: I am fully satisfied concerning the range and scope of the provisions of the school transport service in accordance with the current regulations.
I am always conscious of the need to secure and maintain maximum efficiency in relation to the operation of the scheme, and this matter will continue to receive careful study.
: Is the Minister aware that there is considerable dissatisfaction at the level of existing services, particularly in remote rural areas, and also that there is dissatisfaction at an apparent withdrawal of existing services in some of these areas?
: Will the Deputy elaborate on the apparent withdrawal? I am not aware of it.
: The reports indicate that there appears to be a cut-back in the services in some areas where what is necessary in many cases is an expansion of the services.
: I am happy to assure the Deputy that there was no question of a cut-back in the services. On the contrary since I took responsibility for the administration of the service I was happy to be in a position to allow at least marginal improvements to the scheme already in existence in some areas.
: Is the Minister aware of widespread apprehension that the service may be altered in relation to its free character? Will the Minister give the House an assurance that the free nature of transport to schools will not be altered?
: The previous Government initiated an examination of the transport system and the matter to which the Deputy refers was one of the terms of reference. I only got that report in the last month, and it would not be correct for me to anticipate at this stage any decisions that might be made arising out of an examination of that report.
: Am I to understand that the Government may consider, because of a report which was dredged up prior to this Government coming into office, that this free transport system may no longer be a free transport system?
: I assure the Deputy that his Government asked the consultant to consider that matter, but whether I agree with what his Government did or did not remains to be seen.
: I am asking if the Minister agrees.
: Irrespective of what examination went on before the election there certainly have been decided cutbacks since the general election.
: That is not a question.
: In fact I can give the Minister positive proof from my constituency——
(Interruptions.)
: Order, please. The Deputy is not allowed to make a statement. Question No. 18 please.
: ——and other constituencies as well, and it is highly inaccurate for the Minister to say otherwise.
: Order, order. No. 18.