Vol. 482 No. 3
419 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science if school transport for persons (details supplied) in County Mayo will be extended in order that the children can be collected at their home, in view of the fact that their father is working and their mother is suffering from cancer and cannot accompany the children to their pick-up point, and in view of the fact that the family are prepared to pay for the extra service. [18079/97]
The position in this case is that the family lives 0.2 miles from the existing service. This is regarded as a very reasonable level of service in the context of the school transport scheme.
Unfortunately, the offer to pay for the extra service cannot be taken up as there is no provision in the scheme for such an arrangement. Such a provision would result in the level of service provided for pupils being dependent on their ability to pay. This would be inequitable, and in conflict with the aims of the scheme.
I regret, particularly in view of the circumstances outlined by the Deputy, that the present arrangement is the most that can be offered.
