Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 29 Mar 2000

Vol. 517 No. 1

Written Answers. - School Transport.

Tom Enright

Question:

182 Mr. Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that pupils attending the three post-primary schools in the Geashill area in County Offaly have had their transport withdrawn by CIE; if his attention has further been drawn to the stress and strain caused as a result to pupils who will be sitting junior and leaving certificate examinations; and if he will examine the matter urgently. [9247/00]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

I understand that the matter has now been resolved and the school bus in question has resumed normal service.

Enda Kenny

Question:

183 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science the difference, if any, between grants paid to parents of children with a disability in respect of the distance they must travel to school and the grant of £8 per day as is paid to the providers of transport for non-disabled children and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9248/00]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

Since 1975 my Department has been paying grants towards the cost of private transport arrangements for pupils with severe medical handicaps who cannot be facilitated under the normal network of school transport. Generally these pupils are conveyed to and from school by their parents and the grants are intended as a contribution towards the cost of bringing the children to school.

The amount of grant aid payable is dependant on the distance from the pupils home to the appropriate school. The current maximum rate of grant aid payable is £1,650 per annum. Full details are shown in the following schedule.

With regard to the reference by the Deputy to a grant of £8 per day being paid to a provider of transport for non-disabled children, I am not in a position to comment in the absence of the details of the case.

Annual Rates of Medical Grant: 0 – 0.5 miles, £110.00; 0.6 – 1.0, £150.00; 1.1 – 1.5, £200.00; 1.6 – 1.9, £240.00; 2.0 – 2.5, £290.00; 2.6 – 3.0, £330.00; 3.1 – 3.5, £370.00; 3.6 – 3.9, £420.00; 4.0 – 4.5, £460.00; 4.6 – 5.0, £510.00; 5.1 – 5.5, £550.00; 5.6 – 5.9, £590.00; 6.0 – 6.5, £640.00; 6.6 – 7.0, £680.00; 7.1 – 7.5, £730.00; 7.6 – 7.9, £770.00; 8.0 – 8.5, £810.00; 8.6 – 9.0, £860.00; 9.1 – 9.5, £900.00; 9.6 – 9.9, £950.00; 10.0 – 15.0, £1,100.00; 15.1 – 25.0, £1,380.00; 25.1 or more, £1,650.00.