Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 186: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if he will provide an extension to a school transport service (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26946/09]

Seán Haughey (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Deputy will be aware that the planning and timetabling of routes is an operational matter for Bus Éireann. In the last school year the service referred to by the Deputy, in the details supplied, was operating to capacity.

If, for operational reasons, a larger bus is introduced for this route, in the 2009/10 school year, additional spare seats may become available. However, I should point out that pick up points are planned to facilitate eligible pupils and those availing of concessionary transport will have to make their way to that point. Parents should continue to liaise with their local Bus Éireann office regarding the availability of seats.