Vol. 418 No. 5
69 Mr. Cotter asked the Minister for Education if he will outline the regulations governing free school transport to the Gaelscoil, Carrickmacross in County Monaghan; the reason a pupil (details supplied) at the school will be required to pay £15 per term for such transport as soon as he reaches his tenth birthday; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I understand that Bus Éireann, the Department's agent for school transport has already explained matters to the parents.
Eligibility for school transport is determined by reference to the nearest suitable school and the age of the pupil.
Pupils under ten years of age must live at least two miles from the nearest suitable school while older pupils must live at least three miles from the school. For those who wish to attend an all-Irish school, the nearest all-Irish school is regarded as being the nearest suitable school.
The parents in this case opted for Carrickmacross all-Irish as their nearest suitable school. This school is less than three miles from the boy's house and he will therefore become ineligible for free transport at the end of the current school term, by which time he will have reached his tenth birthday.
There is no charge for eligible pupils at primary level. However, ineligible pupils are required to pay £15 per term. This provision will apply to this pupil from commencement of the summer school term 1992.
