Where is Rosa Parks when you need her?

Catholic bus ban takes new turn
24 August 2006
By Jimmy Woulfe, Mid-West Correspondent

THE ban on Catholic students travelling on a new bus to a Protestant school in Limerick took a new twist yesterday when it emerged that there are still seats available on the bus.

A Catholic couple, whose son and daughter attend the school were refused passes. Transport liaison officer, Deirdre Frawley, told Bernadette and Harry Gleeson that only children of Protestant denominations have an entitlement to transport on the bus, which will travel from Adare to Villiers School on the North Circular Road.

Ms Frawley disclosed yesterday that places on the bus had not been fully subscribed yet as that process was still ongoing.

She said there is provision in Department of Education guidelines to make concessions if the bus is not fully subscribed.

This could enable Catholic children travel on the bus if there are places.

She said that she will be writing to the Gleesons, who live at Caher Road, Mungret, shortly.

Ms Frawley said: "It would be inappropriate for me to comment on this letter as it has to be cleared by our legal advisers."

She said the Department sets out guidelines on who is entitled to travel on school buses.

Ms Frawley said: "It is my job to determine eligibility."

The Gleesons have instructed Limerick solicitor John Devane over the refusal to give passes to their children.