Vol. 509 No. 3
145 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science if the school transport charges will be waived for a person (details supplied) in County Sligo in view of the fact that she has a medical card, is under financial pressure and is doing a course in her local vocational school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20200/99]
I understand that the person to whom the Deputy refers is attending a post leaving certificate course. Post leaving certificate students in some circumstances may be accommodated where there is sufficient and appropriate accommodation on existing services, as concessionary fare-payers. They are charged £40 per term and are issued tickets subject to seats being available after all eligible children have been catered for and provided no extra State cost is involved by extending a service or providing a larger bus.
My Department introduced a maintenance grant for post leaving certificate students with effect from the 1998-99 school year. The grant is intended to assist with their costs, including transport costs. My Department is not in a position to duplicate the assistance allowed this particular group of students by waiving the transport fee.
