asked the Minister for Education if he will sanction the extra expense involved in the very serious problem which has arisen involving transport for pupils to a school (details supplied) in County Mayo.
Written Answers. - School Transport.
512.
The pupils in question reside in the catchment area of Coláiste Mhuire, Tourmakeady. Catchment boundary facilities to Ballinrobe would be accorded to them, if there were room for them on the bus to Ballinrobe. The circumstances of their attendance at a school in Ballinrobe and the transport problem involved are already being investigated.
513.
asked the Minister for Education the number of children who have been deprived of a day's schooling by reason of the recent school bus dispute, distinguishing between (a) primary and (b) post-primary pupils.
The information available to me indicates that many of the 8,000 pupils catered for by the contractors involved made alternative arrangements to get to school.
514.
asked the Minister for Education the steps he is taking to prevent a recurrence of the dispute involving school buses.
The dispute in question is between the Private Association of Motor Bus Owners and Córas Iompair Eireann who engage private operators to supply some school transport services. Its settlement and the question of preventing a recurrence is primarily a matter for the two parties involved.