Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 26 September 2007
750 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason a person (details supplied) has been refused a place on the school transport scheme for 2007-08; if she will review this decision in order that this pupil can avail of the school transport scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20408/07]
View answerUnder the terms of the Post Primary School Transport Scheme, a pupil is eligible for school transport if s/he lives 4.8 kilometres or more from the post-primary centre in the catchment area in which s/he resides.
Pupils who reside less than 4.8 kilometres from the post-primary centre may apply for concessionary transport. Such transport is provided where spare seats are available on a service after all eligible pupils have been accommodated. Concessionary transport is not guaranteed for a pupil's educational cycle and must be applied for on a term-by-term basis.
The pupil referred to by the Deputy in the details supplied is classed as a concessionary pupil. Bus Éireann and the Transport Liaison Officer for Co. Meath have advised that there are currently no spare seats on the existing service.
The family in question should liaise with their local Bus Éireann office regarding the availability of concessionary transport in the future.
