asked the Minister for Education if she will provide a public transport scheme to Lauragh primary school, County Kerry to cater for the children of persons (details supplied); if she will make a statement on the matter having regard to the fact that the eldest of these children is now eight years of age and has not yet gone to school; and if she will make a substantial contribution towards the provision of a private service for the two families concerned if a full public transport service to the school cannot be provided.
Written Answers. - School Transport Service.
292.
As explained to the Deputy in response to previous representations, a special school transport service may be established and maintained only on condition that a minimum daily number of not less than ten eligible children from a distinct locality will avail regularly of the service to their nearest school. Since this requirement is not met in this case the Department has no authority to set up a special transport service to Lauragh national school for the children in question.
It is not open to the Department to pay a grant towards the cost of private transport arrangement for these children.