Written answers

Tuesday, 27 February 2007

Department of Education and Science

School Transport

9:00 pm

Photo of Michael RingMichael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 490: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if school transport will be provided for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo from their home, based on medical grounds and in view of the extenuating circumstances in that household and in view of the fact that the pick up point used to be at that location. [7303/07]

Photo of Seán HaugheySeán Haughey (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I should explain that one of the main objects of the School Transport Scheme is to provide a basic level of service for children who live long distances from school and who might otherwise experience difficulty in attending regularly. As a rule primary school transport routes are planned so that, as far as possible, no eligible child will have more than 2.4 kilometres to travel to a pick-up point. The father of the pupil in question has advised that he lives 50 metres from the 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 as the cost involved on a countrywide level would be prohibitive.

All applications for transport on medical grounds are sent to my Department's medical advisor for approval. In this case the application was returned by the medical advisor, stating that the application was not approved.

Based on the medical evidence received, my Department is not in a position to provide a home pick-up to cater for the pupil referred to by the Deputy.

Photo of Michael RingMichael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 491: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the reason the pick-up point for school transport for persons (details supplied) in County Mayo was changed; if it will be reverted to the old pick up point; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7304/07]

Photo of Seán HaugheySeán Haughey (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I should explain that one of the main objects of the School Transport Scheme is to provide a basic level of service for children who live long distances from school and who might otherwise experience difficulty in attending regularly. As a rule, primary school transport routes are planned so that, as far as possible, no eligible child will have more than 2.4 kilometres 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 as the cost involved on a countrywide level would be prohibitive.

The family concerned have a pick up point within guidelines. However, a home pick up was applied for and offered by way of a payable extension in January 2005. The family availed of this payable extension until December 2006. The pick up point reverted to the original location when the cost of the payable extension was not received by Bus Éireann.

Payable extensions are offered to families of eligible pupils who are already availing of a service within my Departments guidelines. Medical Card holders are not entitled to free payable extensions.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.