School Transport.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 May 2004

Tuesday, 11 May 2004

Questions (166)

Olwyn Enright

Question:

196 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will reconsider the provision of a bus to a school (details supplied) in a Gaeltacht area from its nearest village; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that without the provision of this bus this Gaeltacht school may no longer be viable even though there are eight children whose parents want them to attend the school but cannot send them to same due to a lack of public transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13385/04]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. N. Dempsey)

A school transport service to a primary school may be established where there are seven or more eligible pupils offering for transport from a distinct locality to their appropriate school.

In order to be eligible for free transport, children must live at least two miles from their nearest school and be attending that school. Children who live in a closed school area — where the closed school would have been their nearest school had it remained open — may be deemed eligible for transport to the school of amalgamation only. As the minimum number of eligible children required has not been met in this case, I regret that it is not open to my Department to establish a school transport service.