Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 549: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the number of additional school buses provided to the fleet from the start of September 2005 school term to date in 2005; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33940/05]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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In July this year, I announced a comprehensive package of measures to address the phasing out of the three-for-two seating arrangement on school buses. Those included the hiring in of 250 buses from the private sector from September 2005 and the purchase of 50 large buses by Bus Éireann to go into service this school term.

Bus Éireann has informed my Department that 221 additional vehicles referred to above have been hired in from the private sector. In addition, the company has purchased 12 of the 50 large buses, which have been added to their own school bus fleet. The process of hiring and acquiring the remaining vehicles is ongoing.

Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
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Question 550: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if she will facilitate a meeting with a group of parents (details supplied) regarding a school transport issue in County Roscommon; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33959/05]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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My Department is examining all relevant correspondence on file regarding this case. I will communicate again with the Deputy if it is considered that a meeting would be useful to clarify matters.