Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 233: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the reason with regard to the school transport scheme, private bus operators contracted under the scheme in County Wexford were not given an annual increase on their contract, particularly in view of substantial increases in fuel and associated costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32946/08]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 234: To ask the Minister for Education and Science his views on the future of the school transport scheme in view of the fact that private bus operators have stated that it is not viable for them to operate the scheme without a 17% increase and he has not granted an increase in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32947/08]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 235: To ask the Minister for Education and Science, with regard to the school transport scheme, the percentage of the scheme operated by private bus contractors in each county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32948/08]

Seán Haughey (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 233 to 235, inclusive, together.

I would like to advise the Deputy that negotiations with school bus operators regarding school bus contracts are a matter between Bus Éireann, which operates the school transport service on behalf of my Department, and the operators. In 2007, contractors received 63% of the overall budget paid to Bus Éireann and since 2000 have received in excess of 40% in cost of living increases. In the current fiscal climate, it was not possible to make additional funding available in respect of an increase in contractors' rates for the 2008/2009 school year.

My Department is in discussions with the Department of Finance on the impact of the withdrawal of the relief in respect of fuel used by school transport operators in the context of the 2009 estimates. Some 83% of vehicles providing school transport services nationally under the School Transport Scheme are operated by private bus contractors. This information is not readily available on a county basis .