Ciarán Cannon (Galway East, Fine Gael)

Bus Éireann's analysis will be based on the most up-to-date information available on current usage patterns and this information is expected to be available this summer. The likely effects of this change will then be carefully examined well in advance of the 2012 implementation date.

To put this issue in context for the 2009-2010 school year, transport services under the CSR operated to more than 800 primary schools with almost 26,000 children deemed eligible for school transport under this rule, representing 54.4% of mainstream tickets issued. The transport of such a significant number of children, some of whom would not qualify for the service on the basis of the distance criterion alone, involves a cost.

In regard to the minimum numbers required to establish or maintain a service, the changes include the requirement that from the 2011-12 school year, a minimum of ten eligible pupils residing in a distinct locality will be required to retain or establish a school transport service. This brings the minimum numbers required to establish services back to 2002 levels. As is currently the position, families of eligible pupils for whom there is no suitable school transport service available may apply for the remote area grant towards the cost of making private transport arrangements. Bus Éireann is currently undertaking a detailed examination of all such services to establish the routes in question. Families affected will be notified of changes.

See this speech in context