asked the Minister for Education if he will maintain the Church of Ireland national school transport service to Monasterevin from Ballycarroll, Portarlington and Ballybrittas, County Laois until the summer in order to enable him to examine the position fully.
Written Answers. - School Transport Service.
34.
As the number of children availing of this special service during the last two terms has been below the minimum necessary for its retention, it is not open to the Department to continue the service beyond Easter, 1977. Alternative facilities to Monasterevin are being offered to the children concerned.
35.
asked the Minister for Education why he has not yet replied to correspondence from Deputy Lalor of 8th January last regarding the withdrawal of primary school transport from Ballybrittas to Killinard national school, County Laois; if he is yet in a position to explain the withdrawal; and, if so, if he will now make a statement on the matter.
Free transport facilities were withdrawn from some children in the Ballybrittas area when a re-check of mileages by CIE showed that they reside less than 2 miles from Killinard national school. I understand that the children concerned are availing of farepaying facilities on the service. I regret the delay in replying to the Deputy's representations.