Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 July 2004
59 Mr. Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason a school (details supplied) in County Kerry was not notified of the availability of a remote area grant which has been available for approximately 15 years at around €4.20 per day; if all arrears due will be awarded to all who qualify for this grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19851/04]
View answerUnder the terms of the primary school transport scheme, only eligible children qualify for free school transport. In order to be eligible children must live at least two miles from their nearest national school. In the case of children wishing to receive instruction in Irish, their nearest school offering subjects through the medium of Irish is regarded as their nearest national school.
An application for a remote area grant is normally considered in the context of transport provision to the nearest national school. For children eligible for school transport residing in remote areas or outside the range of transport services, a remote area grant, based on distance and school days attended, may be payable.
The school to which the Deputy refers in the details supplied does not have a transport service. An application has only recently been received for such a service and Bus Éireann has been asked to investigate and report on the matter. When the report is received and considered, the school authorities will be advised of the outcome. Information on the school transport scheme and remote area grants is currently available on my Department's website, www.education.ie.
60 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the provision of transport for persons attending a special school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19852/04]
View answerA report on this case has been requested from Bus Éireann. The Deputy will be advised of the position as soon as the report has been received and assessed.
