Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 20 Apr 1994

Vol. 441 No. 6

Written Answers. - School Transport.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

130 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Education if the rules governing the school transport catchment areas will be implemented in their totality in so far as St. Mary's secondary school, Ballygar, County Galway, is concerned; if any changes will take place; if so, when; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

My Department has no plans to change the school transport arrangements as currently operated in the Ballygar catchment area for the moment. However, I will review the special arrangements which have operated in this catchment area for many years with a view to resolving the situation amicably.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

131 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Education the school transport arrangements for children attending all-Irish schools; and the proposals, if any, she has to change these arrangements.

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

I do not propose to change the present arrangements. The school transport scheme was basically designed to cater for children in rural areas who, if living a long distance from their nearest national school, might have difficulty in attending regularly.

Eligible pupils living in rural areas who wish to obtain their education entirely through the medium of Irish may be given transport to their nearest all-Irish school provided they otherwise satisfy the conditions of the school transport scheme on both age and distance grounds and can be reasonably and economically transported. Children living in remote areas may be paid grants towards the cost of making their own private transport arrangements. Children in urban areas whose parents wish them to attend an all-Irish school may be issued with bus tickets, provided that they otherwise satisfy the conditions of the school transport scheme on both age and distance grounds.