Vol. 524 No. 6
169 Dr. O'Hanlon asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if there are plans to integrate transport in rural areas provided for school transport, health board other than acute ambulance transport, free travel for the elderly and buses and minibuses provided to voluntary organisations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23497/00]
While I have statutory responsibility for rural public transport matters I have no responsibility for the operation of the school transport scheme, the transport services of the health boards or the free travel scheme for the elderly. These functions are the responsibility of my colleagues the Minister for Education and Science, the Minister for Health and Children and the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs respectively.
There is a provision of £3.5 million in the national development plan for the development of pilot public transport initiatives in rural areas and this scheme will be administered by my Department. The aim will be to encourage local or community-based initiatives to provide rural bus services where these do not exist or which are insufficient for the needs of the local population. It is hoped that, as the scheme rolls out, the maximum possible use will be made of transport vehicles, such as school buses, which may be unused for a significant portion of the day. The projects to be funded will be selected following a national call for proposals.
