asked the Minister for Education whether he has received representations from Mr. William McEvoy, Rathdowney, Leix, regarding the necessity for the provision of free transport for children living more than three miles from any school in the Borris-in-Ossory electoral area; if he will now state what action he has taken or proposes to take in the matter; and the general policy of the Department concerning such applications.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Free Transport for School children.
I have received such representations from Mr. William McEvoy, Rathdowney, Leix. I am having the matter investigated and I hope that it will be possible to reach a decision at an early date.
The general policy concerning such applications is that where the means of religious instruction are not available for the children of a particular denomination in a national school within reasonable distance from their homes my Department may, as an alternative to the payment of grants to a school, and provided the necessary conditions are fulfilled, contribute towards the cost of conveying the children to a suitable neighbouring school.