asked the Minister for Education why transport is not being provided for a person (named) from her home to the primary school in Lismore, County Tipperary.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - School Transport Service.
13.
Mr. R. Burke
I understand that the child in question resides 5.4 miles from Lismore Convent national school and that free transport is provided for her to the school from a point some 1¼ miles from her home. An extension of school transport to provide what might be classed as a door-to-door service would result in an overall figure of cost which would be prohibitive.
Is the Minister aware that this child's mother is a widow in poor circumstances who is unable to provide transport for her child for a mile and a quarter of a very lonely road in a rural part of the country; and because of special circumstances, the mother is unable to accompany the child along that stretch of road and, further, that unless transport is provided, I cannot see this child ever being able to commence going to school until she is very much older?
Mr. R. Burke
As the Deputy is probably aware, she could be accompanied by an elder brother of 11 years in the morning time but not in the evening. I would be prepared to examine the possibility of providing transport for the four-year-old girl in the evenings only, as a step in the right direction.
I thank the Minister.
14.
asked the Minister for Education if transport will be provided for 16 children from the Ballinglane area who are attending primary school in Clonnel, County Tipperary.
Mr. R. Burke
CIE have been requested to investigate the feasibility of establishing a transport service to the primary schools in Clonmel from the area in question. I hope to have the CIE report and to be able to give a decision in the matter at an early date.
15.
asked the Minister for Education why free school transport is not being provided for approximately 12 children from the Glenbrook-Passage West area, County Cork who are attending post-primary school at Rochestown which is over three miles away by normal bus route; and if he will have the position reviewed as the only other route is hilly, narrow and has dangerous bends.
Mr. R. Burke
The free post-primary transport scheme is limited to the transport of pupils whose residence is not less than three miles from the nearest post-primary school at which free education is available. The distance from Glenbrook to Rochestown, measured by the shortest available public road, is substantially less than three miles. Glenbrook children, therefore, do not qualify for free transport.
I may add, however, that children from this area who travel on public buses to school in Rochestown by a longer route, have the benefit of transport which is free in part since their fares are heavily subsidised by my Department.
Would the Minister review the situation outlined in this question? The alternative route, I agree, is there but it is totally unsuitable for schoolchildren to travel morning or evening, even at post-primary age. It is high, has bad bends and is an extremely narrow road. The normal bus route is over the main bus route and it is not possible for a bus to travel on this particular road nor is it a safe road for children. Would the Minister review the situation?
Mr. R. Burke
I will have a look at it again.