Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 27 Feb 1997

Vol. 475 No. 6

Written Answers. - School Transport.

Mary O'Rourke

Ceist:

125 Mrs. O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education if she will review the school bus time-tabling in an area (details supplied) in County Westmeath; if she will have arrangements made for detailed discussions to be held between Bus Éireann and a school (details supplied) in County Westmeath which has put forward a reasonable plan in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5563/97]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

The school bus time-table referred to by the Deputy has been examined by my Department. The requested change in the time-table would be disruptive to existing services in the area and would involve extra cost. In the circumstances, it is not open to my Department to alter the existing arrangement. However, arrangements will be made by my Department in the near future to facilitate a meeting between Bus Éireann, the TLO and the school authorities concerned to discuss this case further.

To maximise the efficient use of school transport services, every effort is made to ensure schools in an area co-ordinate their opening and closing times. School transport services at post-primary level are co-ordinated by the transport liaison officer for each county and vocational education committee area. Generally, consultations between school representatives and the transport liaison officer for each area are held in April and May each year for the purpose of coordination of transport schedules. This allows schools the opportunity to participate in the formulation of these arrangements.