Vol. 568 No. 1
305 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science if school transport will be provided for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo from their home; the reason this person's parents received a refusal in this regard; and if he will investigate the matter and ensure that transport is provided for this person. [15182/03]
The pupil to whom the Deputy refers lives in a closed school area. The closed school amalgamated with another school in the locality and accordingly the pupil is eligible for transport to the school of amalgamation only. The service to that school passes 1.6 miles from the pupil's home, and there is accomodation available. The pupil's parents have been advised by my Department of the availability of transport.
One of the main objects of the school transport scheme is to provide a basic level of service for children who live long distances from school and who might otherwise experience difficulty in attending regularly. Pupils living off the main route of a service are generally expected to make their own way, or to be brought to convenient pick-up points along the main route. Home pick-ups were never envisaged as being part of the school transport scheme as the cost involved on a countrywide level would be prohibitive.
It is not open to my Department to sanction an extension of service for the pupil as the cost involved would be prohibitive.
