School Transport.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 October 2008

Thursday, 16 October 2008

Ceisteanna (132)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

132 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the new catchment areas in and around Wicklow town are forcing some families to drop off their children in two separate locations in order to avail of the bus service, with some children being able to get their bus in Wicklow town while others must be dropped off in Ashford village; if his attention has further been drawn to reports that officials are telling parents of children in the local Gaelscoil that they should send their children to an English speaking school if they have difficulty with the bus service; if he will intervene; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35192/08]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Science (Deputy Seán Haughey)

Under the terms of my Department's Post Primary School Transport Scheme, pupils are eligible for transport if they reside 4.8 kilometres or more from and are attending their nearest Gael Choláiste.

Parents who choose to enrol their children in a Gael Choláiste, other than the nearest are not eligible for school transport. Eligibility for transport for new applicants residing in the Wicklow area was reviewed following the recent establishment of a new Gael Choláiste in Arklow.