Vol. 542 No. 2
506 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding children who finish school at 2 p.m. and have to wait until 3 p.m. for their school transport to collect them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23710/01]
Bus Éireann is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the school transport scheme. It is required to make the necessary local arrangements in the most economic way possible. In general, this involves children being collected at the school at the end of the full school day. Under the rules of my Department pupils in infant classes may have a school day that is one hour shorter than the length of the normal school day. This is a concession in the interests of young children and allows for a perceived inability on their part to sustain the work of the full day. It is a matter for the board of management of a particular school to decide whether the concession should be applied in the case of its school or not. If pupils in infant classes are being given a shorter day their parents should be notified to collect them at time of dismissal.
507 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to a school transport grant application by a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23711/01]
I am pleased to advise the Deputy that my Department has recently sanctioned a transport grant in the case in question. I expect that the grant payment will issue very shortly.
508 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will provide a report on a new proposal to extend a school bus service route (details supplied) from Loughill to Askeaton to include Knocknaboula; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23712/01]
My Department has requested a report from the transport liaison officer in the matter. The Deputy will be advised of the position as soon as the report is received and assessed.
