asked the Minister for Education if she will consider providing a school transport service for the children who attend Athenry national school from the Boyhill and Rahard areas of Athenry, County Galway.

Under the terms of the school transport scheme a special school transport service may be provided only where there is a certain minimum number of eligible pupils in a distinct locality requiring transport. According to my information there are no eligible pupils in the areas to which the Deputy refers.

Would the Minister of State consider providing transport to the children concerned on a fare paying basis?

You do not establish a transport scheme on the basis of fare paying pupils. You must first of all establish it on the basis of right. If there is accommodation on the bus you could consider fare paying pupils. I am sorry I could not agree to the Deputy's request.