Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 January 2013
341. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 326 of 16 January 2013, the assistance available with regard to transport costs in view of the fact that this family do not have the financial means to pay such costs; and if he will ensure that every effort is made to support this vulnerable family to ensure that they continue in full time education. [4378/13]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, under the terms of my Department's Primary School Transport Scheme children are eligible for transport where they reside not less than 3.2 kms from and are attending their nearest national school as determined by my Department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language. These eligibility criteria are applied equitably on a national basis. Bus Éireann, which operates the school transport scheme on behalf of my Department, has advised that the family referred to in the details supplied are not attending their nearest school and are therefore not eligible for school transport. There is no provision under the terms of the scheme to offer financial assistance to families of children who are ineligible for school transport.
