asked the Minister for Education if he is aware that Presbyterian school children do not qualify for school transport grants from the RCB, as in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Donegal who attends a joint Presbyterian/Church of Ireland school; and the steps he proposes to take to correct this anomalous position.
Written Answers. - School Transport Service.
207.
I am not so aware. The transport grants to enable Protestant children to attend school regularly are available to Presbyterian families and have been so available since 1963. For ease of administration, all arrangements in connection with the scheme are made, through the Transport Sub-Committee of the Church of Ireland's Board of Education. This arrangement was agreed to at the time with the Presbyterian Church Education Committee.
208.
asked the Minister for Education if he will grant school transport to Mount Bolus National School, County Offaly for a family (name supplied) and others in the same area.
This case is being investigated. A special service will be granted provided that the necessary minimum number of eligible children are available for conveyance and that a contractor to operate the service at reasonable cost can be obtained.
209.
asked the Minister for Education if he will provide school transport for the children from Blackwater, Clondelara and Shannonbridge to Shannonbridge National School, County Offaly.
The Department are precluded from providing a special service in this case unless a minimum of ten eligible children become available for conveyance from the area in question.