asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that up to recently Córas Iompair Éireann carried school children on buses from Newbridge to Kildare at 4d. per return journey, but that the fare has now been increased to 1/2 for the return journey; and, if so, and in view of the hardships which are caused to parents by having to pay the increased bus fares, if he will request the company to reintroduce the lower rate of fares for school-going children.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Bus Rates for School Children.
I am advised that up to recently, through a misunderstanding on the part of a few omnibus conductors, certain school children travelling between Kildare and Newbridge—a distance of seven miles—were permitted to avail of a special reduced single fare of 2d. Under the present practice of Córas Iompair Éireann the special reduced charge of 2d. per single journey for school children applies for distances between three and five miles. The practice was not general and other children paid the correct fare — namely, the juvenile weekly season ticket rate of 5/3.
Arising out of the Minister's reply is he aware that this practice has been in operation for some time under which children were permitted to go from Newbridge to Kildare to secondary schools for a return fare of 2/- per week? The effect of the recent decision by Córas Iompair Éireann is that 7/- must now be paid for a ticket which cost 2/- previously. In the case of families who are not in affluent circumstances that means a very heavy tax on the family income where two or three children are attending a secondary school. Bearing that in mind would the Minister arrange with Córas Iompair Éireann to continue the arrangement previously in force so as to give the families concerned an opportunity to make alternative arrangements without putting them in the position of having either to bear this heavy impost or abruptly discontinue the attendance of their children at secondary schools in the middle of the school year?
My function in this matter is to ensure that the rates prescribed by Order, are not exceeded.
That may be the Minister's precise legal function, but I am sure he recognises that in the case of a man, who may be a carpenter, who previously sent two children to school at an inclusive charge of 4/- weekly, he is now required to pay 14/- weekly for the same two children.
He does not have to do that. If the Deputy studies my reply he will find that reduced weekly rates are available.
These weekly rates will still impose a much heavier charge on the family. Will the Minister ask the company, at least, to defer the introduction of the recent scale of charges, until such time as the family have time to adjust themselves to the position which has now been discovered by Córas Iompair Éireann?
There has not been a change in the rates charged. Apparently some omnibus conductors made a mistake, but others did not. The company rectified the position and established the rates which are prescribed.