Síle de Valera (Clare, Fianna Fail)

Following a review of the school transport scheme and taking into consideration the recommendations of the joint Oireachtas committee report on school transport, a number of improvements were introduced in 2001. These included reducing the qualifying distance for eligibility for school transport for primary school pupils aged ten and over from three to two miles, so that all primary 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 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 2.5 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.

In order to increase transparency in the system and to demonstrate that appeals are treated in an equitable and objective manner, an independent appeals board was established in 2003 to facilitate those who wish to appeal decisions on transport services. Since January 2002, Bus Éireann has replaced more than 200 older school buses, 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 committee, including those concerning 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 ensure a safe and reliable service, it has a wide range of checking procedures in place, which are reviewed on an ongoing basis to ensure that standards are met. Bus Éireann is fully compliant with all relevant regulations as laid down by the Department of Transport.

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