Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 17 Apr 1991

Vol. 407 No. 1

Written Answers. - School Transport Charge.

Brendan Howlin

Question:

305 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the fact that (1) a family (details supplied) in County Wexford have been asked to pay £42 per quarter for the provision of school transport for their children, (2) the children in question attend Blackwater school because two of them need special attention which would not be available at their local school, (3) the family is covered by a medical card and (4) Bus Éireann claim it is not within their power to waive this charge; and if she will take steps to ensure that the proposed charge is waived in respect of this family.

Minister for Education (Mrs. O'Rourke)

The children in question are ineligible for school transport to Blackwater national school. This is because they reside less than two miles from their nearest school and as a consequence, under the rules of the scheme, are not entitled to transport to another school.

There is no special teaching provision available in Blackwater school as against what is available in their nearest school.