Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 668: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the reason the junior infant day is not recognised by CIÉ, and parents have to pay for their children to be transported home from school; the further reason a person (details supplied) has to avail of a taxi home from school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11226/08]

Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 672: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the reason the junior infant day is not recognised by CIÉ, and parents have to pay for their children to be transported home from school; the further reason a person (details supplied) has to avail of a taxi home from school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11227/08]

Seán Haughey (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 668 and 672 together.

Bus Éireann, which operates the school transport service on behalf of my Department, plan bus routes in such a way as to ensure that, as far as possible, pupils have a reasonable level of service while at the same time, ensuring that school transport vehicles are fully utilised in an efficient and cost effective manner.

The pupil referred to by the Deputy, in the details supplied, can continue to avail of a school transport service in accordance with the Bus Éireann time-table for the journey in question. However, it is a matter for the managerial authorities of primary schools to arrange adequate supervision and insurance cover for children while they are on the school premises.