1489. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Education and Youth for the full list of secondary school bus routes that operate within County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63370/26]

The purpose of the Department's School Transport Scheme is, having regard to available resources, to support the transport to and from school of children who reside remote from their nearest school. It is made up of the Mainstream scheme at Primary and Post Primary level, as well as the scheme for pupils with Special Educational Needs.

Under the mainstream scheme at post primary level, pupils are eligible for transport where they reside not less than 4.8 kilometres from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre as determined by the department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.

A minimum number of 10 eligible children residing in a distinct locality, as determined by Bus Éireann, are required before consideration may be given to the establishment of school transport services, provided this can be done within reasonable cost limits.

Bus Éireann is responsible for the planning, timetabling of school transport routes and issuing of tickets on behalf of the Department.

The scheme is operated using a mix of Bus Éireann owned vehicles and directly recruited drivers, and private contractors who recruit their own drivers to operate the scheme.

The information requested by the Deputy is provided on the following table.

Number of Mainstream School Transport Routes Currently Serving Galway Post Primary Centres