My Department recently received a report regarding an extension of the school transport service for the pupil referred to by the Deputy.
The position generally is that primary school transport routes are planned so that no eligible child will have more than 1.5 miles to travel to a pick-up point. Pupils living off the main route of a service are generally expected to make their own way, or to be brought to convenient pick-up points along the main route. Home pick-ups were never envisaged as being part of the school transport scheme as the cost involved on a countrywide level would be prohibitive.
My Department may, however, consider special transport arrangements on medical grounds where it is shown that a child is severely medically handicapped and the condition is such that the child could not make his-her own way to the pick-up point.
The medical evidence submitted on behalf of the pupil in question was forwarded to the medical advisor for attention. The medical advisor, however, has determined that the medical grounds submitted do not warrant an extension of the service.
Transport from the existing pick-up point, which is 0.8 miles from the family residence, continues to be available to the pupil in question.