Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 12 Mar 1991

Vol. 406 No. 3

Written Answers. - Offaly School Transport.

Charles Flanagan

Question:

264 Mr. Flanagan asked the Minister for Education the steps she proposes to take to solve a problem of school transport from the Christian Brothers school, Portarlington which serves the Cushina and Walsh Island areas of County Offaly, having regard to the fact that the bus leaves the collection point at 2.40 p.m. each day notwithstanding the fact that school classes continue until 3.00 p.m., thereby denying students either their transport or their final class; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Education (Mrs. O'Rourke)

I referred the problem raised by the Deputy to Bus Éireann who are the appointed agents for the operation of the school transport scheme.

I understand that they propose to defer the evening departure from Portarlington CBS, which should provide an acceptable solution.

Waiting time for the remaining schools on the route will be reasonable in the context of the general operation of the scheme.