Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 9 Jun 1998

Vol. 492 No. 1

Written Answers. - School Transport.

John Perry

Question:

268 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 317 of 17 February 1998 and 432 of 24 March 1998 in relation to the amalgamation of Lisaneena and Ballinacarrow national schools, the reason a person (details supplied) in County Sligo was transported free of charge by bus to Ballincarrow national school for the duration of her years there, yet persons who travel the same bus route from the same pick up point have to pay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13538/98]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

It is understood that the original family home of the person to whom the Deputy refers is in the Lisaneena closed school area. Acocordingly, under the terms of the scheme, she was entitled to free transport to Ballinacarrow national school, the school of amalgamation.

My Department has examined the eligibility of the children in question on a number of occasions, and is satisfied that they reside nearer to another closed school area than to Lisaneena. While the children in this case are eligible for free transport under closure and amalgamation conditions, their entitlement relates to another school, and not to Ballinacarrow national school.

I regret, therefore, that the most my Department can offer in this instance is fare paying transport.