Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 9 June 2010
358 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if he will examine the circumstances regarding school transport in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24576/10]
View answerUnder the terms of my Department's Primary School Transport Scheme, pupils who reside 3.2 kilometres or more from, and are attending, their nearest national school as determined by my Department, are eligible for free school transport. The position in this case is that the pupils referred to in the details supplied by the Deputy are not attending their nearest national school and therefore are not eligible for free school transport.
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 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.
