Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 2 Mar 1993

Vol. 427 No. 2

Written Answers. - Carrickmines (Dublin) School Transport.

Eamon Gilmore

Ceist:

199 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the hardship being experienced by the parents of primary school children in the Ballyogan Estate, Carrickmines, County Dublin, who have to pay for private school transport for their children because of the absence of a primary school in the area; and if she will provide either free school transport for these children or subsidise the transport being organised locally by the parents.

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

As the Deputy was informed by my predecessor last October, Bus Éireann made free tickets available for children from Ballyogan Estate to attend Sandyford National School. However, only six children took up the offer.

It would appear that the parents have chosen to send their children to school elsewhere. Given that there is significant unused accommodation available at Sandyford National School, it is not open to me either to provide or subsidise transport to other schools.