Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 September 2013
249. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason a child (details supplied) in County Galway recently enrolled in junior infants class is not entitled to free transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38386/13]
View answerThe purpose of my Department's Primary School Transport Scheme is, having regard to available resources, to support the transport to and from school of children who reside remote from their nearest school. 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 the Department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language. The terms of the scheme are applied equitably on a national basis. While it is the prerogative of parents to send their children to the school of their choice, eligibility for school transport at primary level is to the nearest school.
