20. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Transport if he will work with the Minister for Education and Youth and Bus Éireann, to identify opportunities to improve public transport provision for schoolchildren in rural communities in County Laois, particularly in areas where school bus routes are oversubscribed. [67461/26]

As Minister of State at the Department of Transport with special responsibility for Rural Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to rural public transport service provision; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations.

The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing and monitoring the provision of public passenger transport services nationally, including the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan and TFI Local Link services. In light of the NTA responsibilities I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.