asked the Minister for Education if it is her intention to invite PAMBO to operate the school transport service within certain pilot areas during the coming year; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - School Transport.
481.
The Government have requested a review of the school transport service and the initial steps of this review are already taking place. The review will take into account, inter alia, the representations of PAMBO and the question of the involvement of the private motor bus owners in the operation of the scheme, including the operation of the service in certain pilot areas by PAMBO, should that appear appropriate.
482.
asked the Minister for Education the reason a discrepancy has arisen as between persons (details supplied) in County Galway regarding the amount to be paid for school transport.
The pupil in question resides in the Galway city catchment area and is eligible for transport to that centre. He qualifies only for catchment boundary facilities on the service to Headford centre on condition that he makes his own way to the route of that service and subject to the availability of accommodation on the relevant bus.
The appropriate charge for a pupil availing of catchment boundary facilities is £24 per term.
With regard to the other pupils referred to by the Deputy, it would appear that two of them are junior cycle pupils and reside in the Headford catchment area and the appropriate charge in their case is £14 per pupil. The position of the others is not clear and is being investigated.
483.
asked the Minister for Education if a person (details supplied) in County Galway is exempt from charges for school transport.
Exemption from school transport charges applies only in the case of eligible senior cycle pupils attending their appropriate centre whose parents/legal guardians are holders of a medical card.
As the children of the person involved in this case are ineligible on grounds of age/distance under the conditions governing the school transport scheme, the question of exemption from charges does not arise.