School Transport.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 September 2008

Wednesday, 24 September 2008

Questions (1751)

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

1839 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if school transport facilities will be offered to primary school children from Clane to attend a school (details supplied) in County Kildare in view of the fact that schools in Clane have no vacancies and the school can offer places to children from Clane if school transport will be provided on a bus that already passes the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29903/08]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Science (Deputy Seán Haughey)

Under the terms of the Primary School Transport Scheme, children are eligible for free transport, subject to certain conditions, to their nearest national school.

However, pupils not attending their nearest national school may avail of fare-paying transport to another school, provided:

(a) the written agreement of the board of management of the nearest school is secured;

(b) there are spare seats available on the bus; and

(c) no extra cost is incurred by extending or re-routing an existing service.

The families of the children referred to by the Deputy should liaise with their local Bus Éireann office regarding the availability of spare seats on any existing bus service to the school in which the children are enrolled.

There is no provision within the school transport scheme to provide transport to pupils in the circumstances referred to by the deputy.

Question No. 1840 answered with Question No. 1713.

Question No. 1841 answered with Question No. 1723.