Vol. 563 No. 2
210 Mr. N. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will address the problem of school bus transport in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Cork attending a national school in County Cork where transport is only available in the morning to take them to school and where there is no transport available in the afternoon to bring them home. [7556/03]
The family in question reside 1.5 miles from the route of service to the school attended. They were advised that their children had a level of service within guidelines and that an extension of service would not be granted. The family re-applied for an extension of service on medical grounds in respect of one of their children. The medical evidence submitted was forwarded to my Department's medical advisor who determined that the pupil's condition would make it difficult for him to make his own way to the pick-up point. My Department agreed to arrange for the provision of transport in the mornings and offered the family grant-aid towards the cost of private transport arrangements for the children in the afternoon. I have asked that this arrangement be reviewed as a matter of urgency and the Deputy will be informed of the outcome as soon as possible.
