Síle de Valera (Clare, Fianna Fail)

Bus Éireann, which administers the school transport scheme locally on behalf of the Department of Education and Science, is responsible for the day-to-day operation of school bus services. Routes are determined on the basis of numbers of eligible pupils in particular areas, road networks, distance guidelines and other operational factors.

As a rule primary school transport routes are planned so that no eligible child will have more than 2.4 km, 1.5 miles, to travel to a pick-up point. Pupils living off the main route of a service are generally expected to make their own way or be brought to convenient pick-up points along the main route. Home pick-ups were never envisaged as part of the school transport scheme as the cost involved on a nationwide level would be prohibitive.

The families residing in the areas referred to by the Deputy appear to be accommodated within the guidelines. It is not open to my Department to approve an extension of a service where it is satisfied that children have a level of service within the school transport guidelines and where the extension would involve additional cost. However, parents of eligible children may pay, subject to certain conditions, for a route extension themselves. Accordingly, should they so wish, they may consult with the local Bus Éireann office regarding arrangements for a payable extension.

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