Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 248: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if he will provide assurance that the existing levels of school transport will continue without disruption; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12505/09]

Seán Haughey (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
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The overall spend on school transport in 2009 is now estimated to be €194m — a reduction of €2m in the revised allocation as a result of efficiencies. This represents a significant increase of over €84m (over 77%) since 2004, up from €109.8m.

The Deputy will be aware that the operation of the school transport scheme is a matter for Bus Eireann and routes are planned in an efficient and cost effective way. It is expected that the level of funding available will be sufficient to enable both my Department and Bus Éireann to maintain the existing level of services. However, every area of Government expenditure is being kept under review in the light of the current fiscal challenges. The Department has also commenced a Value for Money Review of the School Transport Scheme which is to be completed before the end of the year. The review is being carried out as part of the 2009-2011 round of Value for Money Reviews approved by Government, and when completed, will be published and submitted to the Oireachtas Select Committee on Education and Science.