Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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Question 468: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is committed to the ongoing funding of the current rural transport service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19551/11]

Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)
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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.