Vol. 495 No. 1
408 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason free school transport has been withdrawn from children attending Hewetsons School, Millicent, Clane, County Kildare, in view of the fact that this provision has been enjoyed by the children in the catchment area; if his attention has been drawn to the trauma caused by this move; if he will revoke the decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19412/98]
The children in question were granted free transport under the scheme on the understanding that they were attending their nearest suitable school. However, it came to the attention of Bus Éireann and my Department that these pupils reside nearer to another school.
That transport facilities have been held by children contrary to the terms of the school transport scheme in no way confers a continuing right to these facilities. Accordingly, the relevant families were advised in March 1998 that free transport could not be offered beyond the Easter term 1998.
Having re-examined the matter, I regret my Department is not in a position to allow free transport in this instance. However, the families in question may continue to avail of transport to the school they attend at a cost of £20 per pupil, per term. If the parents/legal guardians are medical card holders, the fare may be waived.
