Paddy McHugh (Galway East, Independent)
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Question 371: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if she will ensure that a directive issued by the transport section of her Department is implemented as agreed (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16854/06]

Síle de Valera (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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The circumstances of the case raised by the Deputy, in the details provided, are being reviewed at present by my Department and I anticipate that the matter will be submitted for my consideration in the near future. Arrangements will be made to notify all relevant parties as soon as a decision has been made.

Paddy McHugh (Galway East, Independent)
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Question 372: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the measures she is putting in place to ensure continuation of school transport for 52 pupils who have been removed from the current school transport (details supplied) due to the introduction of a one child per seat policy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16855/06]

Síle de Valera (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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The pupils referred to by the Deputy in the details supplied were availing of transport on a concessionary fare-paying basis under a three for two seating arrangement. However, under Regulations recently made by the Minister for Transport, seat belts must be used in buses, where fitted, which means that the three for two seating arrangement no longer applies on school buses fitted with seat belts. Bus Éireann has reported that one of the two buses serving the schools in question is already fitted with seat belts, while the owner of the second bus is anxious to have belts fitted as soon as possible. Accordingly, Bus Éireann has put arrangements in place to accommodate children on both buses on a one seat per child basis. Priority is being afforded to eligible pupils but some of those who applied for concessionary transport can be accommodated. However, the demand for concessionary transport exceeds the number of spare seats available.

I recently met with a deputation from the school referred to in the details supplied and my Department is considering a submission presented by the group. However, I must emphasise that pupils availing of concessionary transport are not guaranteed a service on an indefinite basis. The allocation of such transport has always been subject to its availability on a term-to-term basis.

Paddy McHugh (Galway East, Independent)
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Question 373: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the measures she is putting in place to ensure the continuation of school transport for concessionary paying students after the elimination of the three students per two seat rule; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16856/06]

Síle de Valera (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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The introduction of one for one seating arrangements on school transport services operated on my Department's behalf does not necessarily mean that concessionary transport will be discontinued. The availability of such transport depends on the number of spare seats available after all other eligible pupils have been accommodated. I must point out, however, that significant investment has been made by the Government to address capacity shortfalls arising from the phasing out of the three for two seating arrangement on school buses. A programme for Bus Éireann to acquire a number of new and modern second-hand buses is well advanced. In addition, Bus Éireann has hired-in over 220 additional vehicles from the private sector and the situation is being kept under review.

I must emphasise, however, that pupils availing of concessionary transport are not guaranteed school transport. The allocation of such transport has always been subject to its availability on a term-to-term basis.