asked the Minister for Education when he will introduce a scheme of free school transport to all schools where pupils reside a distance from the school.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - School Transport.
200.
There are already a large number of transport schemes in operation to primary schools where certain basic conditions in the matter of the distance of residence of pupils from the nearest school are fulfilled. The major portion of the cost of these schemes is borne by the State. Some vocational education committees operate travelling scholarship schemes for pupils living long distances from the nearest vocational school. The greater portion of the cost of these schemes is also borne by the State through the grants to the committees.
The policy of closing smaller national schools and replacing them by transport services, entirely or almost entirely free, should result in a very big extension of these services. In addition, the question of transport arrangements will arise in connection with the national survey of post-primary education requirements now being undertaken.
201.
asked the Minister for Education if he will provide free transport for children from St. John's Point who must now travel four miles to school since the closing of the national school at St. John's Point, Dunkineely, County Donegal.
Since there are only four children involved, one of whom will reach 14 years of age in December next, the conditions which apply generally to the payment of State grants towards the cost of school transport services would not be fulfilled in this case. However, as a result of representations which I received some time ago I am having the matter further examined with a view to ascertaining whether any special arrangements to facilitate the attendance of these children at school might be feasible.
(South Tipperary): Might I inquire whether any grants are available for transport to ordinary secondary schools?
Not at present, but as I mentioned, this is a matter which will arise in connection with the survey being made of the whole of our post-primary educational facilities.