Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 666: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the policy regarding fuel subvention for school buses; if a review is being carried out on the use of biofuels for schools buses; her views on an incentive for the use of biofuels in school buses; the qualifications required to drive a school bus; and the way candidates are reviewed. [33777/07]

Seán Haughey (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
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I take it that the Deputy is referring in the first part of the Question to the current fuel duty rebate scheme which is a matter for the Minister for Finance and the Revenue Commissioners. I understand that in March of this year the European Commission published its decision to refuse all requests for the retention of the fuel duty rebate scheme.

My Department understands that officials from the Department of Transport are currently engaging with officials from the Department of Finance to explore the possibility of replacing the scheme, if appropriate, by alternative non-tax financial support mechanisms to achieve the same policy objectives, subject to EU State Aid requirements. My Department will liaise with both Departments regarding the outcome of these discussions.

In relation to the use of biofuels, my Department understands that the Minister for Transport, as part of his overall objective for sustainable urban transportation, has requested CIÉ to move to a 30% bio-diesel blend in all new buses as part of their fleet replacement policy. In line with the Programme for Government, CIÉ has also been asked to set out as quickly as possible an action plan to convert the existing fleet to a 5% biofuel blend.

I also understand from the Minister for Transport that the Mineral Oil Tax Relief (MOTR) Scheme II, announced in November 2006 will also support a move to biofuels. This Scheme will place 163 million litres of biofuels on the market at a cost to the Exchequer of €200 million over the period 2006-2010.

In regard to the qualifications of bus drivers within the school transport scheme, Bus Éireann school bus drivers are required to undergo a pre-employment medical examination by a nominated doctor, and may be subject to on-going review. All Bus Éireann school bus drivers must hold a current Driving Licence, appropriate to the size of vehicle that they are required to drive.

In addition, drivers are required to satisfy a background vetting check conducted by the Garda Authorities. Bus Éireann school bus drivers must pass a Driving Assessment conducted by specially trained and qualified Bus Éireann Inspectors. Route training and vehicle familiarity training is provided, along with refresher courses and other training courses such as advanced driving techniques and a disability awareness programme.

Contractors' school bus drivers are required to provide certification of medical fitness to drive a bus from their General Practitioner, and may be subject to on-going medical review by the Chief Medical Officer of CIE. It is a condition of the Contract Agreement that no person shall be allowed to drive a school bus if having been requested, they refuse to submit themselves for medical examination, or if they are certified unfit.

Both the Contractor and the drivers nominated by the Contractor to undertake school bus driving are also subject to Garda vetting. All nominated Contractors' Drivers must hold a driving licence appropriate to the size of vehicle that they are required to drive to fulfil the Contract Agreement. Bus Éireann maintain a record of driving licences on file for all nominated Contractors' school bus drivers.

Contractors, as bus operators in their own right, are primarily responsible for the training of their own drivers, but notwithstanding this are also obliged to ensure that their drivers attend training courses nominated by Bus Éireann.