asked the Minister for Education whether he is aware of the serious hardships endured by the schoolchildren of Ross, Killala, County Mayo, who have to walk long distances to school, and, if so, whether he is prepared to provide transport for these children.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Transport for Mayo Schoolchildren.
I am not aware that the school-going children residing in the townland of Ross, Killala, County Mayo, have to endure serious hardships in order to attend school.
Before a State grant could be made towards the cost of a school transport service, there should be a sufficient number of children available for conveyance to school to ensure that the daily average number of eligible children conveyed each quarter would reach at least ten. In order to be eligible for conveyance to school by a transport service, a child should be between six and ten years of age and reside not less than two miles from the nearest suitable national school, or be between ten and 14 years of age and reside not less than three miles from such a school.
All arrangements for the operation of a transport service are made between the manager of the school and the local interested parties. If it is proposed to make application for the provision of a transport service for the conveyance of the Ross children to schools in Killala particulars of the children concerned should be furnished through the manager of the schools. On receipt of these particulars, I will arrange to have the matter investigated.