asked the Minister for Education if he is aware that there is grave disappointment among parents owing to the fact that the free transport to schools promised by him has not been provided in County Mayo; and what steps he proposes to take in the matter.

59.

asked the Minister for Education if he is aware that many schoolchildren in Mayo have to travel long distances on their way to school; and when transport will be provided.

With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 58 and 59 together.

I am aware of the need for providing free transport for children in County Mayo who have long distances to travel to post-primary schools. Since 1st April, 1967, I have, in fact, provided free transport for 590 children who travel to post-primary schools in the County on special school services organised by parents' associations, school authorities and Roinn na Gaeltachta.

As from Monday next, 15th May, free transport will be provided for approximately 500 children from the county who use public transport to travel to post-primary schools or are within reach of such transport. I also hope, within the next week or so, to provide special school bus services to at least one post-primary centre in Mayo as a pilot scheme for the rest of the county.

From September next, special services will be provided in Mayo, as elsewhere, to the utmost extent that availability of vehicles and limitations on organisation will allow. The service will be extended thereafter according as the supply of suitable vehicles increases.