Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 29 May 2001

Vol. 537 No. 2

Written Answers. - School Transport.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

412 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason persons (details supplied) in County Mayo who have always been provided with free school transport, have now been informed by Bus Éireann that they must pay for the service or change to a different national school to avail of free transport from a different pick-up point; and the further reason this service is being changed after so many years of free transport. [15881/01]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

The pupils concerned are not eligible for school transport to the school attended by them as it is not their nearest appropriate school. As they are eligible for transport to their nearest school, and since there is no service to it from their area, concessionary fare paying transport may be allowed to the school attended. The agreement of the nearest school is not required in this case. In the event that the family holds a medical card, the fare may be waived.