101 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Education and Science where responsibility lies in relation to the safety of children who have been brought to school by a bus funded under the school transport scheme in the period of time between the arrival and departure of the bus and the opening and closing of the school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10739/07]

In the organisation of the school transport system, buses are normally required to operate a number of runs. This is to provide a basic level of service, while achieving optimum value from available resources. In order to facilitate the operation of services, children may be required to wait some time, both morning and evening, for their service. This is a feature of the School Transport Scheme, as operated throughout the country.

Essentially, it is a matter for the managerial authorities of primary schools to arrange adequate supervision and insurance cover for children while they are on the school premises. Subject to the authority of the board of management, it is the responsibility of the principal teacher to organise and participate in the effective supervision of pupils during breaks, lunch periods, assembly and dismissal.