Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 April 2012
301 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will outline the changes coming into effect in September 2012 to the post primary school transport scheme; the way this will impact on students currently enjoying concessionary transport and their siblings who propose to attend the same post primary school commencing in September 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18135/12]
View answerFrom the commencement of the 2012/13 school year, the use of the Catchment Boundary Area (CB) System as a means of determining eligibility for school transport will cease. This means that from the 2012/13 school year, school transport eligibility for pupils will be determined by reference to the distance they reside from their nearest post-primary education centre having regard to ethos and language. Existing catchment boundary pupils who are not attending their nearest post primary centre will retain their transport eligibility for the duration of their post primary education cycle provided there is no change to their current circumstances. Siblings of these pupils may apply for transport on a concessionary basis only in accordance with the terms of the Post Primary School Transport Scheme. The changes to the Post Primary School Transport Scheme will be applied equitably on a national basis.
