asked the Minister for Education if there is a grant for the purchase of bicycles available to children attending school; and, if so if he will give details.

The Department had authority to pay a grant towards the purchase of a bicycle in respect of a child attending a national school who is eligible for free transport but for whom no transport service is available, provided that the following conditions are also met: (1) The child is living in an isolated area where the nearest national school is a considerable distance from his home; (2) It is either impossible or too costly to offer alternative transport facilities; and (3) The situation is one in which genuine hardship exists. Each case is assessed on its own merits.

The grant is limited to two-thirds of the vouched cost of the bicycle, subject to a maximum grant of £45 in any case.