Vol. 547 No. 1
1177 Mr. N. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has received a report from Bus Éireann in relation to persons (details supplied) in County Cork and the provision of transport to a pick up point for their child; and if his attention has been drawn to the fact that this matter was first brought to the attention of his Department in early July 2001. [1531/02]
An application for school transport for the pupil in question was received in my Department on 29 September 2001. As there was no suitable school transport service available, my Department approved a transport grant for the family on 5 November 2001. The family appealed the level of grant offered on the basis that it fell short of the actual costs incurred by them in transporting their child to school.
My Department subsequently requested Bus Éireann, which operates the special school transport service on behalf of my Department, to investigate and report on alternative transport arrangements for the child. The Bus Éireann report, which has now been received by my Department, contains proposals to address the transport needs of the child in question and two other children in the area. My officials will be in contact with the families concerned shortly to discuss these proposals.
1178 Mr. N. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason for the delay in approving the maximum rate of transport allowance to persons (details supplied) in County Cork. [1532/02]
My Department previously sanctioned medical grant aid of 1396.71 per annum to assist the family in transporting their child to school. This standard rate of grant aid would ordinarily be expected to meet the transport costs incurred by a family.
An increased rate of medical grant aid may be sanctioned by my Department, in exceptional circumstances, where extreme financial or other hardship factors are involved. My Department will re-examine the position in respect of the family concerned, provided details of hardship are supplied.
1179 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will examine the case of persons (details supplied) in County Sligo in relation to eligibility for the free school transport scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1533/02]
My Department's main obligation is to provide school transport to eligible pupils. In order to be eligible, pupils at primary level must reside at least two miles from and be attending their nearest suitable school.
Pupils who are ineligible for transport may be accommodated on existing services as concessionary fare payers. Concessionary fare paying transport is subject to there being spare seats available after all eligible children have been accommodated and no extra state cost being incurred in facilitating the pupils.
