Vol. 571 No. 3
54 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on whether the system of grants administered by the school transport scheme are adequate for dealing with the difficulties experienced by students, especially disabled students, in accessing education in rural areas. [21479/03]
My Department strives to provide transport for as many eligible pupils as possible within the constraints of the resources available. Pupils who live remote from the main body of pupils may not always be facilitated with suitable transport as the cost involved may be prohibitive. Transport grants are payable by my Department to eligible pupils, including special needs pupils who cannot be facilitated with school transport. The grants scheme was introduced by my Department to assist parents with costs associated with getting their children to school. The exact level of grant aid payable is based on strict criteria such as distance, special needs, hardship etc. The existing rates of grant aid are the most that can be offered by my Department at present. However, the matter will be kept under review.
