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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 25 May 1999

Vol. 505 No. 3

Written Answers. - School Transport.

Cecilia Keaveney

Question:

258 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will review the distance a person (details supplied) is from his school in view of the fact that the route used by the bus would seem to be the eligible distance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13496/99]

Under the school transport scheme, recognised post-primary pupils who live at least three miles from the post-primary centre of the catchment area in which they reside are eligible for transport to that centre. Eligibility for transport is determined by reference to the distance from the pupils home to the centre taking the shortest traversable route, which is not always the route taken by the bus.

The family concerned resides 2.5 miles from their appropriate post-primary centre taking the shortest route, and therefore would not ordinarily be eligible for transport under the scheme.

In the circumstances, the most that can be offered by my Department to the family in question is fare-paying transport on the existing ser vice to their appropriate post-primary centre, subject to their being room available after all fully eligible pupils have been accommodated, and provided no extra cost would be involved.
I understand that there is room available on the service, which passes within 0.2 miles of the family home. The standard fare for concessionary tickets is £40 per child per term.
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