Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 102: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the number of pupils who have been deemed ineligible for transport due to lack of seats and safety belts on schools buses for the current school year following a review of the school transport system; the arrangements that have been made in such cases for the Easter to summer transport requirement period; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17657/06]

Síle de Valera (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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The position generally is that eligibility for school transport is determined by distance from home to the nearest primary school or post-primary centre. The phasing out of the 3 for 2 seating arrangement on school buses arising from the use of seat belts will not affect the overall seating provision for those who are eligible for transport. Furthermore, this initiative does not necessarily mean that pupils who are availing of concessionary transport will no longer be provided with such transport. The availability of concessionary transport depends on the number of spare seats available after all other eligible pupils have been accommodated. The Deputy will be aware 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.