Vol. 571 No. 1
491 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science if a school transport service can be rerouted slightly to accommodate persons (details supplied) in County Mayo attending Carnacon national school in order that they can be collected at home. [20059/03]
The family to whom the Deputy refers resides 0.8 miles from the route of service to Carnacon national school, their nearest school. As a rule primary school transport routes are planned so that, as far as possible, no eligible child will have more than 1.5 miles to travel to a pick-up point. Pupils living off the main route of a service are generally expected to make their own way or to be brought to convenient pick-up points along the main route. Home pick-ups were never envisaged as being part of the school transport scheme as the cost involved on a countrywide level would be prohibitive.
As the family concerned is considered to have a reasonable level of service in the context of the general operation of the school transport scheme, and as extra cost would be involved in rerouting the service, I regret that it is not open to my Department to alter the route as requested. However, there is a facility under the scheme whereby parents may pay for a rerouting of service, subject to certain conditions. The family may contact their local Bus Éireann office for more details.
492 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science if grant aid will be provided to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo with a hearing impairment towards the cost of taking them to the school transport pick-up point at Glencalry Crossroads. [20060/03]
A report on this case has been requested from the transport liaison officer, County Mayo VEC. The Deputy will be advised of the position as soon as the report has been received and assessed.
