Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 July 2013
90. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the school transport needs of persons (details supplied) in County Kilkenny will be examined with a view to granting them a place on the school transport scheme; and if he will expedite a response. [33959/13]
View answerUnder the terms of my Department's Post Primary School Transport Scheme children are eligible for transport where they reside not less than 4.8 kms from and are attending their nearest education centre as determined by my Department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language. Bus Éireann, which operates the school transport scheme on behalf of my Department, has advised that the children in question will not be attending their nearest education centre and are therefore not eligible for school transport. Children who are not eligible for school transport may apply to Bus Éireann for transport on a concessionary basis subject to a number of a conditions including the availability of spare seats on an existing service and the payment of the annual charge. In this regard, Bus Éireann has advised that the family have been offered concessionary fare paying transport.
