Síle de Valera (Clare, Fianna Fail)

I am aware of the case referred to by the Deputy. A report on the circumstances of the case has been requested from Bus Éireann, which organises the school transport scheme on behalf of my Department. When this report has been received, the Department will advise the Deputy of the position.

In regard to the general administration of the school transport scheme, Bus Éireann issues tickets or travel permits to pupils who have been approved for transport on a service. In addition to specifying the pupil's name, the pick-up and set-down point and the period of validity, the permit specifies that pupils must carry tickets at all times when travelling to and from school. In addition, the invoice issued by Bus Éireann in respect of tickets specifies that only those pupils in possession of a valid permit will be carried on a transport service. In line with transport systems in general, this is deemed to be the most appropriate method of identification and allows drivers and other personnel to control travel and regulate loadings.

I am advised by Bus Éireann that listings of pupils who have been issued with tickets for the current term will be issued to bus operators in mid-October. Such an arrangement is not possible in the case of pupils who avail of scheduled public transport services. The issue of listings at an earlier date is not possible due to the number of late applications and late payments received in school transport offices throughout the country. It would be of little benefit issuing such lists until Bus Éireann is satisfied the vast bulk of tickets have been issued and that the listing represents a true reflection of all pupils who are authorised to travel.

More than 134,000 pupils are carried by in excess of 3,000 vehicles under my Department's school transport scheme. In view of the recent focus on safety measures for school transport and the obvious administrative burden in operating a scheme of this size, the Deputy will appreciate the importance of ensuring only those pupils who have been approved transport can avail of the service and that additional pupils who may compromise safety measures are not carried.

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