Liam Aylward
Ceist:256 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will arrange to have school transport provided for persons (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [23349/01]
Written Answers. - School Transport.
My Department has requested a report on the matter from the transport liaison officer of County Kilkenny Vocational Education Committee. The Deputy will be advised of the position when the report has been received and assessed.
Liam Aylward
Ceist:257 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will arrange to have school transport provided for persons (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [23350/01]
The children to whom the Deputy refers reside in the area of the now closed Knocktopher school, which amalgamated with Ballyhale national school. Under the terms of the school transport scheme, children in a closed school area may be eligible for free transport to the school of amalgamation only. As the children in question are attending another school, the most that can be offered is concessionary fare-paying transport on an existing school service.
Fare-paying tickets may only be issued where there is accommodation available after all eligible children have been catered for, and no additional State cost is involved by way of altering or extending the route of a service, or providing an additional or larger bus. In the circumstances, it is not open to my Department to provide a service as requested.
Liam Aylward
Ceist:258 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will approve an extension of the school transport services to facilitate persons (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [23351/01]
My Department has requested a report regarding the pupils in question from the transport liaison officer. The Deputy will be advised of the outcome as soon as this report is received and assessed.