Jim Daly (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 186: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he has taken into consideration the recommendations of the Ombudsman for Children in respect of changes to school transport and, more particularly, the way information in this regard is communicated to interested parties; the way he informs eligible pupils and their parents with regard to how they can apply to establish a new service, if needed, or extend an existing service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7763/11]

Jim Daly (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 187: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his views on the recommendations of the Ombudsman for Children in respect of the setting up of a register of interested parties who are seeking a service that does not exist at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7764/11]

Ciarán Cannon (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 186 and 187 together.

The purpose of the Ombudsman for Children is to promote and safeguard the rights and welfare of children and young people under the age of 18. In specific circumstances as outlined under the relevant Act, the Ombudsman for Children may investigate any action taken (being an action taken in the performance of administrative functions) by or on behalf of a public body. Following an investigation, the Ombudsman for Children's Office (OCO) produces a statement which may include a series of recommendations. These recommendations are not binding on the public body. The recommendations referred to by the Deputy were in fact comments made by the OCO following a preliminary investigation of a complaint as a consequence of which, having carefully considered all the information provided, no maladministration on the part of my Department was identified.

I wish to inform the Deputy that information on the school transport schemes generally is available on my Department's website, through contact with the Transport Liaison Officers or the local Bus Éireann offices. Furthermore, to increase public awareness about the school transport scheme, the recently published Value for Money Review of the scheme recommends the establishment of a dedicated school transport website by Bus Éireann with all of the information clearly set out and this is being pursued. As school transport is subject to a process of application, Bus Éireann which operates the school transport scheme on behalf of my Department organises services for each school year based on the applications received from eligible pupils.