asked the Minister for Education if he is aware that a child (details supplied) in County Meath was refused entry to Balscadden national school on the grounds that, although it was his nearest school, he was from County Meath and that school was overcrowded; if he is further aware that the child now finds that he is being disqualified for transport to a school in County Meath on the grounds that Balscadden is his nearest school: if this is a satisfactory situation; and, if not, the action he proposes to take to remedy it.

The child concerned was refused admission to Balscadden national school two years ago when there was an accommodation problem there. Additional accommodation has since been provided and the child would now be admitted to the school on application.

There is no transport service from this child's area to Stamullen national school. It would not be permissible, under the terms of the school transport scheme, to arrange a special service to Stamullen national school from this area for only one child.