Dessie Ellis (Dublin North West, Sinn Fein)
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Question 192: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the measures he is undertaking to fulfil the programme for Government commitment to retaining and expanding the rural transport network system. [19227/11]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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There is a recognition within the Programme for Government of the importance of the Rural Transport Programme. My Department is currently exploring efficiencies that can be made by bringing together aspects of the HSE transport arrangements, schools transport, the Rural Transport Programme and other transport services. A pilot scheme study has been carried out, which I will publish shortly.

A Value for Money and Policy Review of the Rural Transport Programme has now been completed. I have received a copy of this report, which I also intend to publish later this year following consideration by Government. I will be incorporating the findings of both the Value for Money review and of the pilot scheme into the plans for the future of the rural transport programme.