asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will consider the introduction of a scheme whereby children going to and from school will be entitled to be carried by Córas Iompair Éireann free or at a fare of 1d., irrespective of distance.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Carriage of School Children by Córas Iompair Éireann.
I regret that the financial position of Córas Iompair Éireann is such that it would not be possible to adopt a scheme of free transport for school children such as that suggested by the Deputy. As I intimated in reply to a question in Dáil Éireann on the 25th May, certain issues affecting the extent of the fare concessions for school children are at present under consideration by the transport company. The Deputy is, no doubt, aware that when approving of the recent increases in bus fares I made special conditions that the 2d. minimum fare should not apply to children under 14 years and that children should be carried at half-fare.
Will the Parliamentary Secretary keep the suggestion in the question in mind in the consideration of the proposals for legislation which are contemplated in regard to transport generally?
The suggestion will be borne in mind, but the Deputy no doubt realises that if children were allowed to travel free there would be considerable joy-riding, probably at times when buses are required for fare-paying passengers.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary yet in a position to answer my letter of the 8th April on the same subject?
I said in the reply that "certain issues affecting the extent of the fare concessions for school children are at present under consideration by the transport company".
They are at present being charged the extra fares.