Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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Question 239: To ask the Minister for Education and Science further to a meeting with persons (details supplied) in County Galway regarding the removal of the school bus service to a school the progress made in this regard; if the bus service will be resumed; if so, when this will be and if not, the reasons for this decision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22260/06]

Síle de Valera (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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: There has been no reduction in the number of buses providing school transport to the school referred to by the Deputy in the details supplied. The pupils in question 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 put arrangements in place to accommodate the children on a one seat per child basis on both buses to the school in question. 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 should point out that concessionary transport is not guaranteed. Pupils may only avail of concessionary transport if spare seats are available on school buses and this is determined on a term-to-term basis by reference to those who are fully eligible for transport under the terms of the school transport scheme.

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 general situation is being kept under review.