Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 564: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if the cycle to work bike scheme that was announced under budget 2009 is in operation for teachers through his Department; the way teachers can access this scheme; the incentives in place in each Department to encourage cycling; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10028/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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Teachers in primary, voluntary secondary and community/comprehensive schools are employed by the school managerial authorities and paid by my Department. Vocational Education Committees employ and pay the teachers in their schools.

My Department plans to discuss the details of the cycle to work scheme announced under Budget 2009 with the managerial authorities of schools and the teacher unions in the near future.

The Government policy document "smarter Travel — A sustainable Transport future" 2009-2020" provides the framework for future developments in regard to the encouragement of cycling.

The Green Schools Travel Programme coordinated by An Taisce, funded since 2007 by the Department of Transport, aims to reduce car based school runs and promote sustainable modes of transport to and from school. Green School Travel Education and Development officers work with school communities throughout the country to achieve behavioural change on the school runs. One of the programme objectives is to ensure the topic of school-related travel is linked with the curriculum. In 2008, this programme reached 75,000 children and by 2010 the aim is to reach 265,000.