Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 69: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the number of children who have to travel from the islands to the mainland for a primary education and a secondary education; the means of transport available to the children; if she is satisfied that this is the best method of providing for the education of island communities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32589/07]

Seán Haughey (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
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It is my policy that, where possible, education should be provided on islands for both primary and post primary pupils. Where it is not feasible to provide a second-level school on an island, island families are eligible for financial assistance under the Remote Area Boarding Grant Scheme to facilitate a child's attendance at school on the mainland. Under the Scheme, grants are paid towards the cost of boarding in or near second level boarding schools under Catholic religious management in the Free Education Scheme for pupils whose homes are outside the range of public transport services to a day school providing suitable post primary education. This Scheme provides for the payment of grants up to €4,725 in each case towards the cost of boarding or lodgings.

The information requested by the Deputy regarding the number of children availing of transport from islands under the school transport scheme is not readily available. My Department has requested Bus Éireann to provide the relevant information and, as soon as this is available, I will arrange to have it forwarded to the Deputy. I can assure the House that I am committed to ensuring that all persons living on our offshore islands have reasonable access to quality education.