Jim O'Keeffe
Ceist:198 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will sanction a remote area grant for a person (details supplied) in County Cork attending Clonakility Gaelscoil; and, if not, the reason for this. [19785/98]
Written Answers. - School Transport.
A transport service was established to the Clonakilty Gaelscoil with effect from September 1998. The children to whom the Deputy refers are eligible for free transport, and the service operates within 2.2 miles of their home.
My Department may only sanction payment of a remote area grant where pupils reside at least three miles from their nearest suitable school, and from transport services to that school.
As the distance from this family's home to the pick-up point is less than three miles, I regret, particularly in the circumstances, that it would not be open to my Department to sanction a remote area grant, as requested.