Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 7 Jul 1993

Vol. 433 No. 6

Written Answers. - County Mayo School Transport.

Enda Kenny

Question:

157 Mr. E. Kenny asked the Minister for Education the reason a school transport service (details supplied) in County Mayo is being effectively withdrawn from pupils currently availing of such service; if she will clarify the regulations governing catchment boundary transport; if, in view of the wishes of parents and the fact that some pupils have been deemed to be in need of individual teaching, the catchment boundary transport will be available for the pupils concerned from September 1993; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

The children from the Glenamoy area are eligible for transport to Rossport Post-primary Centre. However, some parents from the locality wish to send their children to Lacken Cross and Belmullet Post-primary Centres. They are not eligible for transport to either of these, which are in other catchment areas.

Consequently, the most they can be offered by my Department is concessionary transport from the catchment boundary of their appropriate school.

Catchment boundary transport may be allowed, provided seats are available on an existing service after all eligible pupils have been accommodated. The other proviso is that no extra cost is incurred, either by way of using a larger or extra bus, or by re-routing an existing service.

Children from the area have been availing of transport under these conditions. My Department has been informed that there will not be sufficient accommodation on the service in September next to cater for catchment boundary pupils. This matter is being investigated, as a matter of urgency, and I will advise the Deputy of the outcome.