Vol. 527 No. 5
227 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the actions he has taken to date to implement the Oireachtas joint committee report on school transport; the reason for the delay in implementing its recommendations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29024/00]
The report by the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Education and Science on school transport in Ireland deals with a broad range of transport issues and contains many recommendations for changes to the school transport system.
The report is the subject of an ongoing assessment, including costings, in the school transport section of my Department and in consultation with Bus Éireann, who operate the school transport scheme on behalf of my Department. The Deputy will appreciate that given the large number of these recommendations and taking account of staff limitations and the major implications in relating to funding, it is not possible to put all the recommendations in place with immediate effect.
Some improvements have been announced in relation to areas where assessments have been completed. These include extended eligibility for pupils where bullying is proven or the nearest school building is physically unsuitable. I anticipate that a suitable means of communication will be introduced on school transport services before the end of the current school year.
Additional finance has been secured in the budget for improvements to the school transport scheme. Announcements will be made in the matter in due course.
228 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science when Bus Éireann will provide a communication system on board school buses which is in line with a commitment which it gave earlier in 2000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29025/00]
Bus Éireann, who operate the school transport scheme on behalf of my Department, is currently investigating the most efficient method of providing a means of communication for school bus services.
It is anticipated that a suitable means of communication will be introduced on school transport services before the end of the current school year.
229 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the discussions his Department has had with Bus Éireann in relation to improving pay and conditions of school bus drivers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29026/00]
Bus Éireann operates the school transport scheme on behalf of my Department. It is responsible for the day to day operation of the scheme and for the recruitment of drivers. Accordingly, pay and conditions for these drivers are a matter for Bus Éireann.
I understand, however, that these matters have been the subject of detailed negotiations, which have yet to be concluded, with the trade unions who represent the drivers.
