Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 21 May 1996

Vol. 465 No. 6

Written Answers. - School Transport.

Cecilia Keaveney

Question:

195 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Education the current position in relation to the Bus Éireann report of October 1995 regarding school transport to a school (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10140/96]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

It has been confirmed by my Department that only one of the families to whom the Deputy refers are basically eligible for free transport. The other two families are ineligible for free transport on distance grounds, but may avail of concessionary fare-paying transport.

Concessionary fare-paying transport may be allowed to children who are basically ineligible for free transport provided spare accommodation exists after all fully eligible children have been accommodated. This concession is also subject to no extra State cost being incurred by way of extending or altering the route of the existing service.

My Department is prepared to allow the two families avail of concessionary fare-paying transport on the existing service, subject to the above conditions.

The service operating to the school in question passes within a reasonable distance of all the childrens' homes, and in the circumstances my Department is not in a position to reroute the service.