Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 6 May 1998

Vol. 490 No. 5

Written Answers. - School Transport.

Michael Ring

Question:

324 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will provide financial assistance to help fund a school bus service bringing children from a disadvantaged council housing estate (details supplied) where the majority of persons are unemployed to their respective schools one and a half miles away in view of the fact the parents are finding it increasingly hard to raise finance to fund the service fully themselves. [10739/98]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

Remote area grants towards the cost of private transport arrangements may only be considered by my Department in respect of eligible children who reside at least 3 miles from their nearest suitable school, and from transport services to that school. As the children in question reside 1.5 miles from the school attended, it is regretted that they do not qualify for free transport or financial assistance towards the cost of private transport arrangements.