Ciarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour)
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Question 20: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the action he has taken to ensure that the increase in the cost of diesel will have no negative impact on the provision of the school transport system for the academic year 2008-09; if discussions have taken place or will take place between his Department and representatives of the school transport providers; if there are cost implications or service provision implications arising from the substantial increase in the price of diesel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26067/08]

Seán Haughey (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
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The increase in diesel prices arising from the higher cost of oil is an international phenomenon affecting all countries and all sectors of the economy and society. These increases will naturally have an impact on the cost of school transport services.

Bus Éireann is responsible for the operation of the School Transport Scheme on behalf of my Department. Approximately 135,000 children avail of school transport services on a daily basis using some 3,300 private contractors' vehicles and 630 Bus Éireann vehicles.

Negotiations with school bus operators regarding school bus contracts are a matter between Bus Éireann and the individual contractors and these negotiations take place prior to the commencement of the new school year in September. At this stage, it would be premature for me to comment on the outcome of such negotiations.

It would not be appropriate for my Department to engage directly with representatives of school transport providers in relation to these issues.