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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 14 Dec 1993

Vol. 437 No. 2

Written Answers. - School Transport.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

201 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Education if she has agreed to provide free school transport to Scoil Lorcáin, Monkstown, County Dublin, for the children of a family (details supplied) who moved house in summer 1992; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

The school transport scheme was basically designed to cater for children in rural areas, who, if living a long distance from school, otherwise might have difficulty in attending regularly. In urban areas, the nearest school is rarely more than 2 miles from a pupil's home and the provision of transport is not normally necessary.

However, children in urban areas, whose parents wish them to attend their nearest school under Protestant management, all-Irish school or multi-denominational school, may be issued with bus tickets, provided that otherwise they satisfy the conditions of the school transport scheme, on both age and distance grounds. Children between 4 and 10 years must live at least 2 miles from their nearest school, and be attending that school, in order to benefit. Children over 10 must live at least 3 miles away.

In the case in question, the nearest all-Irish school is now Scoil Chualann, Bray and the children may avail of free tranpsort to this school. However, they are no longer eligible for free transport to Scoil Lorcáin.

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