Vol. 528 No. 1
414 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will confirm details of the remote areas grant for second level students; the numbers and cost involved; his views on whether the grant should be increased; and if this will be done. [29498/00]
Under the remote area grant scheme, provision exists for the payment of grants in respect of pupils whose homes are outside the range of public transport services to schools providing suitable free second level education. The purpose of the scheme is to give pupils who are educationally disadvantaged because of their remoteness from schools an opportunity to attend school on the same basis as other pupils not so disadvantaged.
During the 1999-2000 school year, a total of £182,081 was paid in respect of 103 students under the scheme. In addition, a small number of grants under the scheme are also paid by vocational education committees.
The maximum grant payable under the scheme was increased to £2,000 for the current school year.
