Vol. 504 No. 7
327 Mr. Higgins (Dublin West) asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of pupils living on offshore islands to whom a subsidy is paid for attending post primary schools on the mainland; the amount of the subsidy paid in 1998; and if he will give a breakdown of the numbers attending from each island. [12531/99]
Where there is no second level school on an island, island families are eligible for financial
assistance under the remote area boarding grant scheme to facilitate a child's attendance at school on the mainland. During the 1997-98 academic year, a remote area boarding grant was paid in respect of 91 pupils residing on offshore islands at a total cost of £158,500. Following is a breakdown of pupils by island.
My Department also provides a remote area transport grant for pupils who reside outside of the range of school transport services. This would only apply to island children wishing to attend a post primary school on the mainland as day pupils. The amount payable is based on the distance from a pupil's home to the nearest suitable school and the rates are set out in the attached. The number of island pupils who qualify for this grant is minimal. The amount paid in 1998 was £4,326.
|
Location |
Number of pupils in respect of whom a grant was paid in 1997/98 |
|
Inishere Island |
8 |
|
Cape Clear Island |
10 |
|
Sherkin Island |
3 |
|
Inishboffin Island |
8 |
|
Clare Island |
19 |
|
Inishturk Island |
10 |
|
Inishcuttle Island |
1 |
|
Tory Island |
14 |
|
Island Roy |
3 |
|
Inishbiggle Island |
1 |
|
Inish Mean |
14 |
|
Distance |
Daily Amount |
|
3-4 miles |
£1.50 |
|
4.1 – 5 miles |
£2.00 |
|
5.1 – 6 miles |
£2.50 |
|
6.1 miles or more |
£3.00 |
