asked the Minister for Education the reason for the delay in giving effect to representations which were made to his Department in October, 1970, regarding the provision of school transport for children in the Carnahalla area, Cappawhite, County Tipperary, to Doon schools, in view of the fact that constant reminders have been sent to his Department.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Tipperary School Transport.
45.
The delay which occurred in this case was due to a number of factors including the time taken by the school authorities in furnishing particulars of the children concerned and in the carrying out of the necessary inquiries by CIE. The information furnished shows that the conditions necessary for the establishment of a transport service in this case are not fulfilled.
The Parliamentary Secretary has stated that one of the reasons for the delay was that the school authorities did not reply or were slow in replying. They replied on 17th February, 1970. The question was not answered until a Parliamentary question was put down. Would he agree that this is a disgraceful manner in which public representatives are being treated by some sections of the Civil Service?
As the Deputy will be aware from letters that have been sent to him, when the reply was received on 18th February a further report was sent to CIE on 1st March. When the reply was subsequently received by my Department in May it was found that this was not adequate. It was only in recent times that the reply to the supplementary request from my Department was received from CIE. I regret, nonetheless, any inconvenience that may have been caused to the Deputy who has been making constant inquiries in the matter.
I would hate to raise the matter of six school buses.