asked the Minister for Education if and when it is proposed to alter his Department's regulations so as to provide better transport facilities for children travelling to and from national schools in remote parts of rural Ireland.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Transport for School Children.
104.
The general conditions governing payment of State grants towards the cost of transport services for the conveyance of children to national schools have recently been revised so as to allow for the inclusion of children between 5 and 6 years of age, for grant purposes.
No further modification of the conditions is at present contemplated.
Do I understand from the Minister that a minimum number of seven children is still necessary for subsidised transport?
The minimum number required is the same but children aged five and six years are now to be included in the minimum number. Up to this, it was children from six years of age.
Is the Minister aware that most of the transport used is the ordinary hackney car which is licensed to carry only five passengers. In view of that fact, will the Minister consider lowering the figure from seven to five?
I do not think I can promise any further change for some time.
The Minister should check on some of the cars which are being used. Two could be provided easily.