asked the Minister for Education how many buses are at present servicing the Christian Brothers' secondary school at Cashel, County Tipperary; and if he is satisfied that this number is adequate.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - School Transport Service.
46.
Transport services are provided to post-primary centres and not to individual schools.
The Cashel centre is served by two large buses and two minibuses. Some double-tripping is involved, but the service is reasonably satisfactory and above the minimum standards laid down by my Department.
The service to the centre will be reviewed during the coming months having regard to the number of pupils who will be eligible for transport in the new school year and the location of their homes.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary state what buses are serving in the area and from what area?
The question refers to the number of buses. There are two large buses. If the Deputy is really interested in all this information, which is rather long. I will give it to him later.
47.
asked the Minister for Education if he will give his approval for the operation of school transport from Barna to Dunkerrin national school, County Offaly, where about 11 children, all living over three miles from the school, have no transport; if he could arrange with CIE to have the children taken to school on the existing school bus from Emill to Dunkerrin which with little inconvenience could solve the problem; and if he will treat the matter as one of urgency.
I have given my approval for the conveyance of the children in question to Dunkerrin national school. I understand that CIE are making the necessary arrangements.
48.
asked the Minister for Education if he will make available information relating to payments towards the cost of private transport in respect of children attending recognised special classes in national schools who cannot avail of organised school transport service.
Where a pupil who is eligible for admission to a special class is not able to avail of existing transport his or her case is considered by the Department on its merits. The question of allowing a grant and the amount of the grant which may be paid is decided having regard to the circumstances of the case.
I suggest that if the Deputy has a particular case in mind he should submit details to the Department and the case will be considered as sympathetically as possible.