Vol. 528 No. 3
270 Mr. Kenneally asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will review the decision of his Department to certify that the distance between the home of a person (details supplied) in County Waterford and a school in County Waterford was slightly in excess of two miles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30400/00]
In order to be eligible for transport under the primary school transport scheme, children must live two miles or more from their nearest school. The distance is measured from the main gate of the school to the main entrance to the pupil's home taking the shortest traversable route.
The position in this case is that the family, reside less than two miles from the school. The distance involved has been measured by Bus Éireann on two occasions. On the second occasion it was measured in the presence of the applicant. The route was found to be less than the required two miles. In the circumstances, it is not open to my Department to offer the family concerned free transport.
Concessionary fare-paying transport may be allowed to ineligible pupils subject to there being room available on a service after all fully eligible children have been accommodated, and provided no extra State cost is involved. The standard charge for concessionary tickets is £20 per pupil per term and tickets may be purchased from Bus Éireann.
