From the commencement of the 2012/13 school year, school transport eligibility for post primary pupils is being determined by reference to the distance they reside from their nearest post-primary education centre having regard to ethos and language. In relation to school transport provision, ethos relates to religious ethos and is in the context of provision for minority religions. Eligibility for school transport is not determined by way of subject choice.
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 and other pupils, who are not eligible for school transport, 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 are being applied equitably on a national basis.
The routing and timetabling of school transport services are an operational matter for Bus Éireann and are not a determining factor in establishing eligibility for school transport. The main objective of my Department's Post Primary School Transport Scheme is to support the safe transport to and from school of children who would have difficulty travelling, for reasons of distance, to their nearest school if transport is not supported. While it is the prerogative of parents to send their children to the school of their choice, eligibility for school transport is to the nearest school, having regard for ethos and language. While contact was previously made with South Tipperary VEC on the matter, officials in my Department will be in further written contact shortly.
