Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 3 April 2014
79. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Skills the circumstances under which arrears can be paid in respect of a remote area grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15756/14]
View answerThe purpose of my Department's 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. Under the terms of the scheme a child, who is eligible for school transport, but for whom no transport service is available may, following an application for transport within the prescribed time limits, receive a Remote Area Grant towards the cost of private transport arrangements. The grant is also payable for eligible children who may have to travel 3.2 km or more to or from a designated pick up/set down point. An application for school transport must be made before consideration can be given to the payment of this grant. The grant is paid annually, in arrears, at the end of each school year. More information is available on my Department's website at www.education.ie or if the Deputy wishes to supply details in relation to a particular case my Department may be in a position to provide further information.
