Vol. 475 No. 6
122 Mr. B. Smith asked the Minister for Education the proposals, if any, she has to extend the special transport grant to cover all the mileage involved in the case of children attending special classes or schools in Northern Ireland and not just to the Border in view of the way in which the current scheme operates; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5555/97]
I am aware of concerns expressed in relation to the issue raised by the Deputy.
Under the terms of the present school transport scheme, transport grants are only payable in respect of mileage within the State.
My Department is currently investigating the possibility of allowing transport grants to take account of the full distance involved for children living in the State and attending special facilities in Northern Ireland.
