Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 20 Mar 2002

Vol. 550 No. 4

Written Answers. - School Transport.

John McGuinness

Question:

825 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Science if, further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 451 of 9 October 2001 and 222 of 6 February, progress has been made on the matter; the reason for the delay in providing Deputy McGuinness with the information as promised in the reply; if transport will be provided for a person (details supplied) without further delay; and if he will take appropriate action to ensure that this problem does not arise again. [8989/02]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

A re-examination of this case has been carried out by my Department. The pupil concerned is attending a post-leaving certificate course in Kilkenny city.

My Department's policy regarding PLC students is that they may be facilitated with incidental transport on existing school services, subject to there being room available after all fully eligible pupils have been accommodated and provided there is no extra cost involved by way of extending or altering a route or service. PLC students are not considered to be basically eligible for school transport.

The student concerned resides in the Castlecomer catchment area, approximately 1.75 miles from the route of service to Kilkenny post-primary centre. It is not open to my Department to allow an extension or re-routing of service to facilitate the student as this would be contrary to the terms of the scheme.