Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 June 2013
292. Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason for the delay in responding to representations regarding transport for children (details supplied) in County Longford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27527/13]
View answerAs previously advised, changes to the Post Primary School Transport Scheme which were introduced at the commencement of the 2012/13 school year generated an increase in the number of queries and representations to my Department. When combined with the routine administrative work undertaken within my Department in relation to school transport provision generally, regrettably, it was not feasible to deal with the increased volume of representations in a more timely manner. Bus Éireann has advised that the family in question, who are not eligible for school transport, submitted a part payment for school transport on a concessionary basis in September 2012. This payment was refunded in October 2012 as the service was operating to capacity.
