James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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498. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to provide the data reports available that are generated by computer software by her Department and by Bus Éireann in relation to school transport, in list format further to the recent replies and in particular on 2 February 2016 in relation to the number of applications and approvals for school transport when she stated that the information was not readily available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5189/16]

Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)
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Reports are generated from time to time by Bus Éireann as and when required by the Department for the ongoing efficient management of the School Transport Scheme.

These reports may relate to various aspects of the administration and/or operation of services provided under the Scheme.

Reports are not always available in the format requested because it is not always necessary to record the information for operating purposes in a way that may be desired for other reasons. The number of ineligible applicants is recorded for example but it is not necessary for the efficient administration of services to break this number down further, i.e. into those residing nearer to another school and/or those residing less than the requisite distance for school transport eligibility to their nearest school.

Bus Éireann has advised that it is anticipated that the new School Transport IT system may afford the potential to produce certain statistical information in different formats going forward.