asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that school children between the ages of 14 and 16 years are now being charged the increased bus fares; that hitherto they were only charged children's fares during school hours; and, if so, in view of the hardships that these increased fares will inflict on their parents, he will ensure that the former charges be restored to these children during school hours.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Children's Bus Fares.
When approving of the recent increases in bus fares I made special conditions that the 2d. minimum fare should not apply to children under 14 years and that children should be carried at half-fare. I am informed by Córas Iompair Éireann that they are also conceding half-fares in any circumstances in which special fares were formerly given to school children between the ages of 14 and 16.
Is the Minister aware that up to last Monday evening, when I was travelling in the buses, the conductors had received no instructions to that effect?
A Deputy
You are a nice school child.
The conductors had received no instructions to give those allowances to children between 14 and 16 years of age during the school hours.
I can only say that I have been informed by Córas Iompair Éireann that those directions were given to the conductors. It was not the intention that any additional fare will be charged where children are concerned.