Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 10 May 2000

Vol. 518 No. 6

Written Answers. - School Transport.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

587 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the concerns of parents and other interested parties regarding serious risk to the safety of children because of inadequacies in the school bus route serving Mount St. Michael's secondary school, Rosscarbery, County Cork, and that much of this problem is related to the catchment boundary established many years ago; and if he will now have the matter seriously examined from the point of view of a catchment boundary reflecting the wishes of the parents of the area and in particular their concerns about safety in relation to the current arrangements. [12939/00]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

Safety on school transport is of paramount importance to my Department and to Bus Éireann, who operate the school transport scheme on behalf of my Department. I should mention that Bus Éireann has a very good safety record in the operation of school transport and an ongoing commitment to highlight safety in this regard.

A full review of the school bus route serving Mount St. Michael's secondary school, Rosscarbery, County Cork, will be carried out and the Deputy informed of the outcome as soon as possible.