Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 July 2004
284 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Science if school transport will be arranged in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow who must attend Loreto secondary school, Kilkenny, as their educational needs cannot be met in Borris in view of the fact that they need to study physics to pursue their educational goals; and if he will expedite a positive response to their application. [20379/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraA report on this case has been requested from the relevant transport liaison officer. The Deputy will be advised of the position when the report has been received and assessed. However, for the purposes of the post-primary education scheme, the country has been divided into catchment areas, each of which has its own post-primary centre. While it is the prerogative of parents to send their children to the school of their choice, it is not the object of the school transport scheme to facilitate parents in exercising that choice. Recognised post-primary pupils who live at least three miles from the post-primary centre of the catchment area in which they reside, are eligible for transport under the scheme to that centre.
Eligible pupils who wish to attend a post-primary centre other than their appropriate one may be allowed transport from within the catchment boundary of the centre being attended, subject to there being spare accommodation available on the service after all fully eligible pupils have been facilitated and provided that no additional State cost is incurred.
