asked the Minister for Education the amount of increase in school transport charges arising from the reduction of £5.7 million in the allocation for that service, as indicated in her reply to Parliamentary Question No. 59 of 8 November, 1988; the amount of the increases; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

63.

(Limerick East) asked the Minister for Education if she will reassure parents that the charges payable in respect of school transport for the coming term and the terms thereafter will be no higher than those which have applied to date.

I propose to take Questions Nos. 30 and 63 together.

It has been decided that there will be no increase in school transport charges for the present.

(Limerick East): What the Minister has given refers to between now and Christmas. The question asks if increases are intended in 1989?

When the Deputy's party were in Government there was an increase each year.

Two, in some years.

(Limerick East): How does the Minister propose to make up the shortfall which now appears in the 1989 Estimates where the subhead for school transport has been cut by several million pounds?

That is a matter of administration and of the greatest efficiency which is always being achieved these days.

Under this Government.

(Limerick East): Do I take it from that the Minister is going to change the eligibility regulations for school transport?

No.

Absolutely no, we are very good housekeepers.

(Limerick East): I will be waiting for this miracle.