Vol. 431 No. 6
141 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education if she will authorise the extension of school transport to the children of Wheatfield Upper, Straffan, County Kildare, who attend Scoil Mhuire, Clane, County Kildare, having regard to the fact that the service already exists for parts of this area, and that school places do not exist at Celbridge or Naas; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
The children of the general area in question are eligible for transport to either Celbridge or Naas Post-Primary Centres.
I have been informed by my Department that places are available in these schools for these children.
However, some parents from the locality wish to send their children to Clane Post-Primary Centre. They are not eligible for transport to this centre, which is in another catchment area. Consequently, the most they can be offered by my Department is concessionary transport from the catchment boundary of their appropriate school. This may be allowed, provided seats are available on an existing service after all eligible pupils have been accommodated and that no extra cost is incurred.
