(South Tipperary) asked the Minister for Education if he will state with regard to Gortnahoe bus service if he has decided to alter the catchment area so as to allow pupils to go to Thurles.

One of the basic principles underlying the free transport scheme is that such transport will be provided only to the nearest centre at which free education is available.

School transport from the Gortnahoe area has been organised in accordance with this principle. I do not propose to alter the arrangements.

Is the Minister aware of the danger which confronts pupils at present at the pick-up point on the main Dublin road in the middle of the bog where several fatal accidents have already occurred?

That is a separate matter but I can say that I am issuing a circular to the principals of all schools, and for general public consumption, to the effect that light reflector bands will be available through the Safety First Association for school children who have to go out early in the morning and come back in the evening. I will be making an announcement on this.

Will the Minister agree that they should be issued rather than notified?

They will be issued.

They will be issued to the schools and given to the children?

That is the idea.

The Minister did not say that. He said the schools would be notified that they would be available. Will the Minister ensure that they are issued?

That is precisely what we are doing in conjunction with the Safety First Association.

Will they be issued free?

Yes.

Is the Minister aware that a number of those fatal accidents occurred in broad daylight due to the camber of the road?

That is a separate question. It does not arise on Question No. 99.

Did not the Minister assure a Fianna Fáil county councillor at a meeting that he would alter it?

That is also a separate question.