Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 9 Oct 2002

Vol. 554 No. 5

Written Answers. - School Transport.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

594 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will review the designated schools to allow Naas school to be included in Castledermot, as at present transport is provided to Blessington only; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16173/02]

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

627 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will review the designated schools to allow Naas school to be included in Kilteel, as at present transport is provided to Blessington only; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16408/02]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. N. Dempsey):

I propose to take Questions Nos. 594 and 627 together.

The catchment area system was drawn up in the late 1960s, following negotiations and subsequently agreement with schools, mainly for the purposes of determining educational provision in a centre, such as the level of accommodation required to ensure that all pupils have a school place. The catchment boundary system is also used by school transport section to determine eligibility for school transport services and to avoid an open situation, which would be unsustainable in terms of costs and difficult to organise.

It is open to parents to send their children to a school outside the catchment area in which they reside, however, the best that can be offered in terms of school transport provision is catchment boundary facilities, provided there is room on the bus and no additional cost is incurred. It is not open to my Department to allow a service encroach into another school catchment area as this would be contrary to the terms of the scheme.

Boundaries may only be re-drawn with the agreement of the relevant school authorities and the planning section of the Department.