Vol. 486 No. 1
841 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the dissatisfaction among a number of schools in the County Cork area about the catchment area for school transport being altered without full and final negotiations; and if he will meet a delegation from Scoil Mhuire gan Smál, Blarney, County Cork to hear their concerns on the issue. [1292/98]
I am pleased to advise the Deputy that I met a delegation from Scoil Mhuire gan Smál on Friday, 16 January 1998. I am, therefore, well aware of the school's concern regarding its catchment area and related school transport issues.
Changes to the catchment areas were made in September 1997 for some schools in the Cork area following consultations engaged in by the Department with interested parties from early 1997 onwards. These changes were made in response to changes in the school provision in the area.
The arrangements were put in place as a temporary measure, pending a review of the situation by my Department. This review is currently under way.
