asked the Minister for Education if he is aware that many students in Dublin are being charged full adult fares while travelling to school on CIE buses; and if he will make a statement on this urgent matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Student Fares.
32.
The fixing of fares on their buses is a matter which comes within the statutory functions of Córas Iompair Éireann. The CIE fare structure has always provided for payment of the adult fare by persons over 16 years of age.
Did the Parliamentary Secretary not say to me last year in respect of fares for children of the city of Dublin that the Department of Education paid a subsidy to CIE?
Yes.
If that is so how is consideration given to students? The Parliamentary Secretary has told me that the Department of Education pay a subsidy to CIE in respect of city children but where does this subsidy manifest itself if the children are being charged full fare?
The subsidy is paid in respect of school children up to the age of 16 travelling to and from school. The import of my reply is that if the Deputy feels in a particular instance that children are not being allowed this individual schoolchild fare he should have recourse first to CIE whose conductors are the people who decide whether or not a particular child is eligible.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary not accept that there is an obligation on him to cater for all schoolgoing children in this respect and he should not dismiss those who are over 16?
The position which has obtained for some time is that this subsidy has related to schoolchildren up to the age of 16.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary happy with that position when in other areas we are providing absolutely free transport? Does the Parliamentary Secretary think that it is equitable that children in Dublin should have to pay the full adult fare?
Extending the concession would, of course, involve a further subsidy to CIE and there are many priorities for the use of such money.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary accept that there is no greater priority than children who are going to school and that he has an obligation in this matter?
The remaining questions will appear on tomorrow's Order Paper. The time for Question Time has been exhausted.
In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply given in respect of Questions Nos. 20 to 24 I wish to raise the matter on the Adjournment.
The Chair will communicate with the Deputy.