School Transport Eligibility

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 July 2013

Thursday, 18 July 2013

Questions (222)

Seán Fleming

Question:

222. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of children who have been informed they are not eligible for school transport to a post-primary school (details supplied) in County Laois; if this matter will be re-examined in view of the local circumstances in the case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36209/13]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills (Deputy Ciarán Cannon)

Under the terms of the 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 the Department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language. Bus Éireann, which operates the School Transport Schemes on behalf of my Department, has advised that children who reside in the area referred to by the Deputy are not attending their nearest education centre and are therefore not eligible for school transport. The terms of the Schemes are applied equitably on a national basis.