Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 2 Nov 1999

Vol. 509 No. 6

Written Answers. - School Transport.

Michael Creed

Question:

563 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will provide financial assistance through the special fund for students with disabilities to a person (details supplied) in County Cork for whom no school transport support is available, notwithstanding the fact that the applicant is confined to a wheelchair. [21177/99]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

The position generally is that school transport services first and foremost are provided to assist primary and post-primary pupils attend school.

I understand that the person, referred to by the Deputy, is attending a post-leaving certificate course. Such students are primarily responsible for their own transport. In some circumstances these students may be accommodated where there is sufficient and appropriate accommodation on existing services, as concessionary fare- payers. They are charged £40 per term and are issued tickets subject to seats being available after all eligible children have been catered for, and provided no extra state cost is involved by extending a service or providing a larger bus.

My Department introduced a maintenance grant for post-leaving certificate students with effect from the 1998-99 school year. This grant is intended to assist with their costs, including transport costs. In the circumstances I regret that there is no further funding available for the student in question.