asked the Minister for Education the present position in regard to school children availing themselves of the school transport system whose parents (1) did not pay the new transport fee and have no medical card, (2) did pay and have no medical card, and (3) did pay and have a medical card as regards payments due by the parents, and refunds due to the parents.
Written Answers . - School Transport .
1156.
: Detailed information is not yet available in relation to the numbers involved in the groups (1), (2) and (3) mentioned in the question from the Deputy.
In regard to group (3) applications for refunds were invited from parents who had paid school transport charges on behalf of their children and who became entitled to exemption on the basis of the extension to junior cycle pupils attending their appropriate centre, of the concession previously given in respect of senior cycle pupils whose parents-legal guardians were holders of a medical card. These applications are at present being processed by CIE.
The question of the appropriate action to be taken in regard to group (1) will be further considered in connection with the implementation of the arrangements for payment of the appropriate charge in respect of the current school term. No action is required in regard to group (2).