asked the Minister for Education if he is aware of the hardship children attending the post primary school at Mitchelstown, County Cork, are enduring because of the change in time at the following pick-up points; Kildorrery, Glenahulla and Rockmills at 7.30 a.m. and who are not returned home until 6 p.m.; if he will recommend that an extra bus be provided to service this area because of the increase in numbers attending this post primary school; if he is aware that the reason for the problem is that the same bus has to make a number of runs; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - School Transport Scheme.
177.
The pick-up and set-down times for the relevant pupils are not as stated by the Deputy.
The vast majority of school transport vehicles operate more than one route and pupils at most post primary centres are required to wait some time at their respective centres before or after school. Pupils from the area in question have a maximum waiting time of approximately one hour per day. This is a reasonable standard of service in the context of the general operation of the post primary school transport scheme. In the circumstances the provision of an additional vehicle would not be warranted.