asked the Minister for Education if he will ask CIE to devise a scheme which will permit students of all ages to travel at current school-going fares.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - School Buses.
37.
This is a matter which comes within the statutory functions of Córas Iompair Éireann. Under section 8 of the Transport Act, 1958, CIE are free to fix such charges as the board thinks fit for any service which the company provides.
The loss in revenue to CIE because of the concession fares currently charged to school children in the younger age group is recouped by means of a special subsidy from the Department. This entails a very large State subvention and I am not satisfied that any additional burden should be placed on the taxpayer in this respect.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary not agree that it is not fair, to say the least of it, to have a school bus passing some farm gates and not taking up children when it passes other gates and takes up children? Surely some scheme could be brought about where all children from a school can be taken up by a school bus?
I am not sure that this arises from the question put down. I think the Deputy will be aware that quite recently—this is in relation to the supplementary question he has asked— I announced here very significant concessions which will go a very long way towards catering for the students within the present distance area.