Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 February 2004
63 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science his plans to implement the recommendations of the Joint Committee on Education and Science report on school transport; the reason for the delay in considering these recommendations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5122/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing a review of the school transport scheme and taking into consideration the recommendations of the joint committee's report on school transport, a number of improvements to the scheme were put in place in 2001. The qualifying distance for eligibility for school transport for primary school pupils aged ten and over was reduced from three to two miles, so that all such pupils are treated equally for eligibility purposes. The number of eligible primary pupils required to establish a new bus service was reduced from ten to seven. The threshold for maintaining a service was reduced to four eligible pupils, provided that at least six fare-paying pupils are using the service. The scope of the remote area grants, payable to pupils in certain circumstances, was extended and the rate payable increased. The travelling and waiting time for post-primary pupils was reduced from three to two and a half hours. Where feasible, students who are on the early pick-up from their homes are the first to be dropped home in the evening and vice versa. An independent appeals board was established in 2003 to increase transparency in the system, to demonstrate that appeals are treated in an equitable and objective manner and to facilitate those who wish to appeal decisions about transport services.
Bus Éireann has replaced over 200 older school buses since January 2002, thereby improving the quality of buses in service. All school transport vehicles have been provided with a communication system to enable the driver to have ready access to the depot. Other issues raised by the joint committee, including those in respect of safety, are continually under review in my Department. Bus Éireann, which operates the school transport scheme on behalf of my Department, places special emphasis on safety. To this end and to ensure a safe and reliable service, it has put in place a wide range of checking procedures which are reviewed on an ongoing basis to ensure that standards are met. Bus Éireann complies fully with all the relevant regulations laid down by the Department of Transport. Given that the cost of providing the school transport service has more than doubled since 1997, my Department is in the process of finalising a review designed to identify efficiencies and savings which can contribute to a containment of the cost of this service.
