asked the Minister for Education if he will arrange that school transport in the Glencar area of County Sligo will collect children at 9 a.m. to take them to Manorhamilton schools instead of collecting them as at present at 8.10 a.m. for the opening of the schools at 9.30 a.m., as these children have to begin preparation for school at 7 a.m.; and if he will have steps taken to reroute the bus via Glencar Catholic Church.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Sligo School Transport.
3.
I am advised that the school bus operating this route is at present required to do a second run to bring further post-primary pupils to Manorhamilton; hence the reason for the early start. This position obtains in many parts of the country. Improvements to the services in the areas concerned will be made as additional buses become available.
Regarding the suggested rerouting, I am advised that portion of the road involved is not suitable for large buses. Furthermore, the present route provides a reasonably convenient service for the majority of pupils using it, since no pupil has more than two miles to walk to a pick-up point.