Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 1321: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if a primary school principal can refuse to sign a release form for a child to receive school transport to attend another local school; the options which are available to the parents if this has happened; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29099/06]

Síle de Valera (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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It is a matter for the board of management of the school in question to complete an Evidence of Agreement Form. Where the board of management refuses to do so, it is not the practice for my Department to intervene.

One of my Department's concerns is to protect the interests of small rural schools which may be adversely affected where concessionary fare-paying transport is provided to pupils residing in close proximity to these rural schools in order that they may attend other schools.

Pat Carey (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 1322: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if an escort is on duty, at all times, on the bus conveying a pupil to school (details supplied) in Dublin 4. [29100/06]

Síle de Valera (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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My Department provides funding to the authorities of the school referred in the details supplied to facilitate the employment of an escort on the special school transport service in question. However, my Department understands that difficulties have been encountered in securing the services of an escort to accompany children on the entire bus journey. My Department also understands that the school authorities are in the process of recruiting the services of an escort who will perform the full range of duties on the bus in question.