Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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192. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding school transport in view of the recent expansion of Solas, ETB, Momentum courses here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40685/14]

Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)
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A primary objective of the School Transport Scheme is to support the transport to and from school of children who would have difficulty travelling for reasons of distance to their nearest school if transport is not supported and to date this has been the sole focus of that scheme.

While I recognise the need for flexibility in the use of transportation, this is a complex matter and a number of critical factors must be borne in mind. In the first instance school transport vehicles are routed and timetabled to coincide with school opening and closing times and existing contract arrangements with private sector providers are framed along these lines.

A further significant factor to be considered in examining the integration of school transport services is child protection. I am sure the Deputy will appreciate that the opening up of school transport services to adults could have potential risks if this were to be implemented.

The issue of integrated rural transport provision is being looked at closely by the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport and in that context the National Transport Authority has conducted some trials in this area. I consider this is the most appropriate way of advancing this agenda and dealing with the type of issues I have outlined.