Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 December 2007
452 Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Education and Science if transport is being provided for children from the Rossinver, Glenade, Glencar, Mullies and Lougahboy areas of County Leitrim to attend a school (details supplied) in County Leitrim; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35515/07]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the terms of the Primary School Transport Scheme, pupils are eligible for free transport if they reside 3.2 kilometres or more from and are attending their nearest gaelscoil.
The pupils from the areas referred to by the Deputy, in the details supplied, are eligible for transport to the school in question. Bus Éireann, which operates the school transport scheme on behalf of my Department, has advised that there are insufficient numbers of eligible pupils in the areas referred to by the Deputy to warrant the establishment of a service in accordance with the terms of the scheme. The position may be re-examined should more eligible pupils offer for transport.
In the circumstances, my Department has sanctioned the payment of remote area grants towards the cost of private transport arrangements.
