Nicky McFadden (Fine Gael)
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I am asking the Minister for Transport to authorise Bus Éireann to re-route a service to facilitate students attending Athlone Institute of Technology. This bus service runs from Dublin to Galway and, until this year, it always stopped on the campus of Athlone Institute of Technology. In early September, I wrote to Bus Éireann's local area manager in Athlone requesting that the bus would stop on that campus to facilitate students travelling from Kinnegad, Milltownpass, Rochfortbridge, Tyrrellspass, Kilbeggan and Moate. I received a reply from the local area manager stating that the matter did not come within his remit and that he would have to speak to the Department of Transport. Why in God's name can a local area manager not re-route a service or ask a bus driver to stop at an institute of technology? This typifies the way State-sponsored bodies are disconnected from their clients and customers.

The first year student intake in AIT increased by 24% this year and, as a mother, I have serious concerns about the safety and general well-being of these young people. I was contacted by a mother from Rochfortbridge who articulated similar concerns about her youngster having to walk 2.5 miles from the bus station to the college in the dark every morning and evening. Over recent years, a predator has sexually assaulted a number of young people in the area. Mothers from rural areas are concerned about the welfare of their children in large towns where drugs and anti-social behaviour are worries.

I fail to understand the disconnect between the local area manager and the Department and why he cannot authorise a bus to stop at AIT. It makes no sense given this was the case every other year. Will the Minister to State give a reasonable reply in order that I can return to my constituents with a reasonable, honest response that is not a load of highfalutin ráiméis?

Seán Haughey (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Senator will be a little disappointed with this reply. I am taking this matter on behalf of the Minister for Transport. It is open to Bus Éireann and other bus operators to submit proposals to his Department in respect of new bus services for the area in question. On 1 October 2009, Bus Éireann submitted a notification to the Department seeking authorisation to re-route the 7 a.m. No. 20 Dublin-Galway service via AIT to facilitate students attending the college. The application is being considered by the Department with reference to existing services in the area. I regret I cannot provide the Senator with more information but the application is being examined.

Nicky McFadden (Fine Gael)
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I thank the Minister of State for his brief reply. Is it possible that I could have an idea by tomorrow regarding how long the consideration will take? Students returned to college at the beginning of September and it is almost Christmas now. Perhaps the Minister of State could let me know tomorrow because I do not wish to put him on the spot.

Seán Haughey (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
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I could not give a commitment regarding how long the Department will take to consider this matter. It is open to the Senator to nab the Minister in the Dáil later, as I am sure he will be present for the division at 8.30 p.m., but I will bring it to his attention.

Nicky McFadden (Fine Gael)
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That is why I tabled this as an Adjournment matter.