Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 25 May 1999

Vol. 505 No. 3

Written Answers. - School Transport.

John V. Farrelly

Question:

253 Mr. Farrelly asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will have a survey carried out into the provision of a school transport service to Nobber primary school, County Meath; if he will investigate the numbers of children who would avail of this service without payment due to the distance from the school; if he will indicate the required number of pupils to qualify for the restoration of this service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13491/99]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

My Department has not received an application for the establishment of a school bus service to Nobber primary school. The names and addresses of all the pupils offering for transport to Nobber primary national school should be for warded to my Department to allow examination of their eligibility.

In order to be eligible for free school transport, children under ten years of age must live at least two miles from and be attending their nearest national school, while older children must live at least three miles away.

Under the terms of the school transport scheme, a service to a national school may only be established for children who are eligible for transport to that school and provided there are at least ten eligible pupils living in a distinct locality offering for transport to that school.

As soon as all the relevant information is received and considered by my Department, a decision will be conveyed to the Deputy without delay.