School Transport

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 April 2011

Tuesday, 5 April 2011

Questions (96)

Pearse Doherty

Question:

111 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will review the decision made in the education budget changes for 2011 and in particular to school bus services where the pick-up density of pupils in a distinct locality on a particular route will have to increase from seven to ten to retain a service; if he will review the circumstances of a family (details supplied) in County Donegal who may be without a school bus service because of the changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6378/11]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills (Deputy Ciarán Cannon)

The changes to school transport services were announced in the 2011 Budget by the previous Fianna Fáil-Green Party Government and derive from a recommendation in the recently published Value for Money Review of the scheme.

These changes include the requirement that a minimum of 10 eligible pupils, residing in a distinct locality, will be required to retain or establish a school transport service from 2011/12 school year. As is currently the position, families of eligible pupils, for whom there is no suitable school transport service available, may apply for the remote area grant towards the cost of making private transport arrangements.

Decisions in relation to the retention or establishment of school transport services will be made when all applications for school transport, for the 2011/12 school year, have been received and assessed.