Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 61: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the position regarding the rural transport scheme; the number of persons who have used the system to date; the number who used the system who are in receipt of free travel passes; his plans to extend this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8963/09]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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The Department of Transport and Marine operates the Rural Transport Programme, which goes some way towards fulfilling rural transport needs through the provision of day-time services.

As the Deputy will be aware, I announced the launch of the Rural Transport Night Scheme on a pilot basis in April 2007 to provide night-time transport services in certain remote rural areas. I am informed that a total of 63,218 passengers used the pilot service for the period May 2007 to September 2008, of which 35,335 were free travel pass holders.

I am providing funding for the continuation of the Rural Transport Night scheme for the first quarter of 2009 pending my consideration of a review recently carried out by officials in my Department.