asked the Minister for Education if he will provide free school transport for pupils from the new housing scheme at Ballycumber, County Offaly, to Boher national school, County Offaly, in view of the fact that they are two miles from this school.

It has been established that the children living in the Moorock Estate are less than two miles from Boher national school and they are not, therefore, eligible for free school transport. Transport from the estate has been available for the pupils on a fare-paying basis subject to the condition that room is available on the bus and that no extra cost is incurred in facilitating them.

I believe that the distance is over two miles. I and another man measured it, because I had an idea of what the reply would be. I do not agree with the reply.

If the Deputy does not agree with it, that is fair enough; but that is my information. There had been a problem in making measurements on previous occasions because a link road in the area had not been taken into account.

Would the Parliamentary Secretary meet a deputation in this matter?

The Deputy knows that prior to his putting down this question I had agreed to meet a deputation. I do not know why the Deputy is putting down this question.

The Parliamentary Secretary must realise that his Department have cancelled this meeting on a number of occasions.

Question No. 32.

Order. I have called Question No. 32.

32.

asked the Minister for Education if he is aware of the grossly unsatisfactory school transport service from the Rossanean area to Killeentierna national school in the parish of Currow, Farranfore, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement setting out the present position in the matter.

I am not so aware. I am informed that the transport facilities provided to Ranalough national school from the Rossanean area are adequate to cater for all the eligible children in the area and they have a satisfactory standard of service.

The remaining questions will appear on tomorrow's Order Paper.