215 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of new and second hand school buses purchased in 2006 and the number of additional vehicles hired in 2006. [38411/06]

Over the past 15 months, Bus Éireann has hired in more than 300 additional vehicles from private contractors. My Department has also given approval to the company to acquire 111 modern second hand buses and 50 new dedicated school buses, and some of these buses are already in service.