Vol. 481 No. 7
320 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science the assistance, if any, which can be given by her Department towards the purchase cost of a bus to provide school transport in the case of a group (details supplied) in County Mayo in view of the fact that there is no other system in operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17240/97]
There is no provision under the school transport scheme whereby grant assistance can be given towards the cost of purchasing vehicles.
I am pleased, however, to inform the Deputy that my Department may sanction remote area transport grants towards the cost of private transport arrangements in situations where groups of eligible children have no access to a transport service. To qualify for such grants, pupils must reside at least three miles from their nearest national school, and from any transport service to that school.
I can assure the Deputy that if the group in question makes an application to my Department for a remote area transport grant it will be considered without delay.
