Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 December 2013
104. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will review the recent refusal of appeal for school transport in the case of the child of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51447/13]
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 child in question is not attending her nearest education centre and is 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. Bus Éireann has advised that there are seats available on a service to the child's school for the 2013/14 school year.
Only children who are eligible for school transport and who hold valid medical cards (GMS Scheme) are exempt from paying the annual charge. This case has also been the subject of an appeal to the School Transport Appeals Board which has made a determination in the matter. The parents have been notified of this decision. The School Transport Appeals Board is independent of my Department and it would not be appropriate for me to intervene in cases which have been considered by the Board.
