asked the Minister for Education why he changed the arrangements for school transport for the pupils from the Pike of Rushell area to the Brigidine Convent, Mountrath, County Laois; and if he will make arrangements to restore the original position.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Laois School Transport.
30.
The secondary top attached to the Convent of Mercy school in Borris-in-Ossory is deemed to be a fully adequate post-primary centre for girls. When it came to the attention of the transport liaison officer that full transport facilities to Mountrath Centre had been inadvertently given to girls from within the Borris-in-Ossory catchment area, he had no option but to rectify the position. Pupils resident in the latter catchment area who are basically eligible for free transport may obtain similar facilities to another centre if they make their way to the appropriate boundary point.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary look into this matter again because a number of pupils have commenced courses in the intermediate certificate and leaving certificate——
That is not a question.
——and this is very inconvenient for them? Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that the pupils have commenced those courses?
Question No. 31.
I will look into that matter and advise the Deputy.
I do not know if you were quite aware of it but I was on my feet asking a question.
Not to make a speech, please. The Deputy has been on his feet nearly three minutes without asking a question. We cannot tolerate that. It is getting a little too lax and I will not tolerate it. Next question.
I will ascertain the position and advise the Deputy.
I have no wish to have a dispute with the Chair but this was the first supplementary I asked and I think out of courtesy the Chair should have allowed me to finish.
I could not get any question in the Deputy's statement. We are past the time for questions now. Question No. 31.