Andrew Boylan
Ceist:297 Mr. Boylan asked the Minister for Education the reason her Department has not made a decision regarding school bus transport for persons (details supplied) in County Cavan; and if she will make a favourable decision.
Written Answers. - School Transport.
It is not possible to accede to the Deputy's request. Bus Éireann, which is responsible for the day-to-day running of the school transport scheme, has confirmed that the family's home is 0.4 miles from the present pick-up point. This is a very good standard of service in the context of the overall operation of the scheme in the country generally. The pick-up point being sought is 0.2 miles from their home, off the main route. In the circumstances, an extension of service would not be warranted.
Ivan Yates
Ceist:298 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Education if she will resolve the school transport problem to a vocational school (details supplied) in County Wexford in view of the representations made over the past number of years by the parent's association in this regard; and if she or her Minister of State will meet a deputation from this school to resolve this matter.
I am glad to be in a position to tell the Deputy that an improvement to the service has been achieved through the co-operation of the school in question in adjusting their timetable. I understand that this arrangement is working satisfactorily in the case of 400 students and their parents.
Larger vehicles will be required to improve the service for the remaining 50 students. Bus Éireann has already asked the operators to provide these.