(Cavan-Monaghan) asked the Minister for Education if he will provide transport for pupils (details supplied) in County Cavan to Bawnboy vocational school, as they are within its catchment area; and, if not, why.

These children may have free transport to Bawnboy vocational school from the nearest pickup point on the route of the existing service.

(Cavan-Monaghan): How far is the nearest pickup point from these children's home?

It is 2.6 miles from the residence of the children in question.

(Cavan-Monaghan): Is the transport available already?

That transport would be available to those children if they were attending Bawnboy vocational school.

(Cavan-Monaghan): Is it available to these children at present?

It is available if they are disposed to using it.

(Cavan-Monaghan): May they avail of it at any time?

They may avail of it at present if they are disposed to using it.

We must move on to the next question.

(Cavan-Monaghan): You were very generous on the last question, Sir. Can the Minister say why the transport is not available to these children at present?

The Deputy is misinterpreting what I am saying. I have said that the transport is available if the children in question are disposed to using it. I do not know why they are not using it.

(Cavan-Monaghan): Is there any hope of routing the transport nearer to the children's home than a distance of 2.6 miles?

No. That information has been conveyed to them already. They are getting a service that is comparable with the best services available to other children attending post-primary schools.

(Cavan-Monaghan): Therefore, I may take it that so far as the Department or the regulations are concerned, there is nothing to prevent the children switching from Carrigallen school to Bawnboy school?

That is correct.

4.