asked the Minister for Education if it is proposed to extend the scope of the school transport scheme to assist youth clubs and similar organisations, especially in the summer months, to cater for the demand from young people to visit the sea and other areas.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - School Transport Scheme.
39.
The school transport scheme is now placing such a heavy burden on the taxpayer that I could not contemplate adding further to the cost of it. Furthermore, the taxation and licensing arrangements for school buses confine their use exclusively to the conveyance of children to and from school.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary not accept that it is a most peculiar situation in sparsely populated areas that half-empty buses will not accept children when they reach the age of ten years?
This has nothing to do with the question, which deals with youth clubs.
I am afraid, Sir, you are off the mark. If you will allow me, there are several areas in West Cork where children must travel on foot when they reach the age of ten years just because they are not more than three miles from the school. Would the Parliamentary Secretary—he appears to be an efficient type of man—consider getting over the silly antics of his Department?
This does not arise on Question No. 39 which deals with youth clubs and other organisations.
I suppose we shall have to put down a question for next week. I thought you might be able to fit it in on this question.