Michael Ring
Ceist:326 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education if she will amend the current school bus arrangements (details supplied) in respect of St Aidan's national school, Kiltimagh, County Mayo. [19288/96]
Written Answers. - School Transport.
In the organisation of school transport services, Bus Éireann plan routes in such a way to ensure that, as far as possible, every pupil has a reasonable standard of service from the point of view of timetable, while, at the same time, ensuring that school transport vehicles are fully utilised in the most efficient manner. In order to do this, individual vehicles are generally required to operate a number of services to schools and, consequently, extended timetables often require some pupils to make an early start in the mornings and to wait for some time in the evenings.
The arrangement which applies in this case is that a double trip is in operation. The standard of service available here is considered reasonable and in addition "a first in to school, first home" service is being operated. In these circumstances it is not open to my Department to offer anything beyond the service available at present.