Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 26 Mar 2002

Vol. 551 No. 2

Written Answers. - School Transport.

Donal Carey

Ceist:

518 Mr. D. Carey asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the case of a person (details supplied) who fulfils conditions for home pick up on medical grounds but is being denied same in the Lisheen area, County Clare for delivery to Ballynacally national school; if he will re-examine the file in order that this person can enjoy the State's obligation in this regard; and the reason this small cost is preventing a traditional service being provided to a severely handicapped child. [9976/02]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

The case referred to by the Deputy was examined by my Department in November 2000.

A report from Bus Éireann indicated that there was no suitable turning point near the pupil's home for the vehicle to turn. The family was offered a grant towards the cost of providing transport between their home and the bus pick up point and a grant was paid to cover to the end of the 2001-02 school year. There has been no indication that a suitable turning point has become available in the meantime. Transport within 0.4 miles of their homes is being provided to the families referred to by the Deputy. This distance is well within Department guidelines of 1.5 miles to route of service.