Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 7 Oct 1997

Vol. 481 No. 1

Written Answers. - School Transport.

Liam Burke

Question:

242 Mr. L. Burke asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that an adequate school transport system has not been provided for young people from the Knockraha area of County Cork who are attending the new community college and Scóil Colaíste Glanmire; if he will provide such a service as a matter of great urgency to replace the current totally unacceptable situation whereby pupils are requested to travel on a scheduled bus service, the running times of which are most unsuitable; if he will have the matter rectified to the satisfaction of the parents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15368/97]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

: In the operation of the school transport scheme, every effort is made to ensure that travelling and waiting times are kept to a minimum and do not exceed my Department's guidelines. The service provided for the pupils in question is within these guidelines. Generally speaking, special school transport services are not established in areas where public transport is available.

While I regret that it is not possible at present to alter the current arrangements, I would like to reassure the Deputy that the position regarding services in this area will be reviewed for the 1998-99 school year.