School Transport

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 October 2010

Tuesday, 19 October 2010

Ceisteanna (110)

Joe Carey

Ceist:

153 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills when will the review of the school transport scheme be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37385/10]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills (Deputy Seán Haughey)

As the Deputy is aware, School Transport was approved by Government as a topic for inclusion as part of the 2009-2011 round of Value for Money Reviews. This review looked at the original objectives of the scheme, whether these objectives remain valid today, the extent to which the objectives are being achieved, and whether there are possibilities for economies or efficiencies that would improve the value for money of the scheme. In this context, the review also looked at fundamental issues such as eligibility criteria and catchment boundaries, with a view to achieving efficiencies and value for money in the Scheme. The report of the Value for Money Review of the School Transport Scheme is currently being finalised.