Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 March 2010
728 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Education and Science when he plans to re-instate a school transport service (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12396/10]
View answerUnder the terms of the Section 1.4 of the primary school transport scheme a service may be continued for as long as there are four eligible children and a minimum of six fare-paying children availing of the service.
My Department examined this case in great detail in conjunction with Bus Éireann, which operates the School Transport Scheme, on behalf of my Department. Bus Éireann advised that the number of children offering for transport from the area referred to by the Deputy, in the details supplied, has fallen below the minimum number required to maintain this service. As a result, and in accordance with the terms of the Primary School Transport Scheme, the service was withdrawn with effect from the commencement of the current school year. This position will of course be reviewed should a sufficient number of eligible children apply for transport at a future date.
In the case of those children who are eligible for school transport and had been availing of the service up to now, parents have been advised that they may apply for a remote area grant towards the cost of making private transport arrangements.
