Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 October 2012
234. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will review an application of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny who has to pay for concessionary school transport even though their parents have a medical card. [43245/12]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware of the changes to the Post Primary School Transport Scheme that were introduced from the commencement of the current school year. A school transport service may be established where there is a minimum number of 10 eligible children residing in a distinct locality, as determined by Bus Éireann, provided this can be done within reasonable cost limits. An eligible child for whom no transport service is available may, following an application for transport within prescribed time limits, receive a Remote Area Grant towards the cost of private transport arrangements. This grant is also payable for eligible children who may have to travel 3.2 kms or more to or from a designated pick up/set down point.
The pupil referred to, in the details provided, is not attending his nearest school and is therefore not eligible for school transport under the terms of the Post Primary School Transport Scheme. The medical card waiver only applies to pupils who are eligible for school transport in the first instance.
