asked the Minister for Education if, in view of the fact that at present children under five years are not permitted transport in school buses and in view of the disadvantages to children in rural areas resulting from the rationalisation of the national school system, he will make arrangements whereby children between the ages of four and five years will be provided with free transport to national schools.

The statement that children under five years of age are not permitted transport in school buses is not correct. The lower age limit for free transport purposes is the same as for admission to national schools, i.e. the child must be four years of age. The existing provisions of the free transport scheme, therefore, cover children between the ages of four and five.

I wonder would the Minister repeat his reply because I did not hear it?

It does not matter because I am sure the Minister did not reply to the Deputy's question.

The statement that children under five years of age are not permitted transport in school buses is not correct. The age limit for free transport purposes is the same as for admission to national schools, i.e., the child must be four years of age. The existing provisions of the free transport scheme, therefore, cover children between the ages of four and five.

I would like the Minister to look over the letter he has from the New Inn Parents' Association of Glanmire. If he complies with the request of this association he will solve the whole problem.