Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 4 Nov 2003

Vol. 573 No. 3

Written Answers. - School Transport.

Seán Ryan

Ceist:

352 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the application for a travel grant in respect of a person (details supplied) who is attending Stepping Stones ABA school, temporary accommodation, Clane Road, Kilcock, County Meath; and when he intends to implement the decision of the school transport appeals board. [25229/03]

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

The family of the pupil referred to in the details supplied are in receipt of the maximum grant-aid payable under the terms of the school transport scheme for children with special needs. Over €80 per day is being paid in this case.

My Department strives to operate the school transport schemes in a fair and reasonable manner. When special transport cannot be provided, a transport grant may be paid to the parents-guardian of a child to assist with the cost of making private transport arrangements. The rates payable are being kept under review. However, any decision to increase the grant-aid or further improve the level of service provided will ultimately depend on the annual budgetary allocation for school transport.

Cecilia Keaveney

Ceist:

353 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to a school transport problem (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25230/03]

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

The family to whom the Deputy refers live within 0.5 of a mile from the bus route.

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.

My Department has examined the case in detail and I do not propose to make any changes to the pick-up point in question.