Changing school swimming lessons will cut the number of bus journeys between schools and pool by about 1,700 a year.
Lessons are to be extended from 30 to 45 minutes for primary school children, but the number of lessons will reduce from 26 to 18 a year.
As a result of the changes, school children will spend an extra 30 minutes in the pools, but the change has been criticised by politicians.
Responding to a question about the change from Tim Glover (Arbory, Castletown and Malew), minister Daphne Caine said the changes followed 12 months of consultation with primary school heads, Bus Vannin, school swimming teachers and the Office of Human Resources.
She added: “With regards to bus travel, this change will result in approximately 1,700 fewer bus journeys.
“This will not only result in a reduction to the Department’s emissions, but also reduce the amount of time children will spend on buses travelling to and from a swimming pool for their lessons.
“This reduction in time, and the time gained from children getting changed for swimming sessions, will ultimately mean more swimming time and increased time in the school environment.
“Whilst this decision has been made with giving pupils the best possible provision in mind, the changes to the bus schedule requirements will ultimately realise savings of approximately £80,000 to DESC.”
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