Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:149 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will improve or expand the free school transport system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21765/97]
Written Answers. - School Transport.
The school transport scheme currently caters for 160,000 pupils daily, including 9,000 pupils with special needs, at a cost to the Exchequer of £40 million per year. The operation of this service involves 2,358 vehicles, and covers 34 million miles annually.
As the Deputy will be aware, the school transport review committee has recently completed an extensive review of the school transport system. The committee's report was reviewed by my colleague, Deputy O'Dea, Minister of State, in September 1997, and is currently being examined in my Department.
It is intended to publish the report early in 1998 and to ensure that it receives the widest possible dissemination. My aim is to stimulate an extensive debate on the contents of the report before making final decisions on any future changes to the school transport scheme. I want to make it quite clear that I will not take any decisions until I have reflected on the debate.