Vol. 505 No. 3
284 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the serious concern by parents of children using the school bus services of Scoil Naomh Molaise, Grange, County Sligo; if he will intervene and open the necessary discussion with all parties to find a solution acceptable to secure the safety of all the children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13694/99]
The issues of double tripping and the safe operation of the service to Scoil Naomh Molaise, Grange have been examined by my Department. The transport service to this school is operated by a mini-bus, which has a double trip to the school.
In the operation of the school transport system, buses are normally required to operate a number of runs. To facilitate the operation of these services, children are often required to wait some time, morning and evening, for their service. It is understood from Bus Éireann that it would not be possible for a larger bus to operate the route in question, as some of the roads are not suitable for a large bus.
Safety is of paramount importance to my Department, and to Bus Éireann, which operates the school transport on its behalf. Set-down, turning and pick-up points are carefully selected, always with safety in mind.
