Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 112: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the outcome of her inquiries in regard to the school transport situation for pupils (details supplied) in County Mayo. [34606/10]

Seán Haughey (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
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Under the terms of the Primary School Transport Scheme, only eligible children qualify for free transport. In order to be eligible, children must live at least 3.2 kilometres from, and be attending, their nearest national school. Bus Éireann operates the school transport services on behalf of my Department. This is a major logistical operation which involves the planning of over 6,000 bus routes annually to ensure that, as far as possible, eligible pupils have a reasonable level of service while, at the same time, ensuring that school transport vehicles are fully utilised in an efficient and effective manner.

The designation of specific school bus pick-up and drop off points is an operational matter for Bus Éireann. Parents and guardians have a responsibility to ensure that children are brought to, and are collected safely from, these designated pick up and drop off points along the route of the journey.