School Transport Eligibility

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 June 2014

Tuesday, 10 June 2014

Questions (201)

Dara Calleary

Question:

201. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Education and Skills his view on whether changes to the school transport scheme, introduced in 2012-13, are causing undue hardship to students in the Castlehackett and Corrandrum areas of County Galway; his view on whether it makes no sense that concessions previously given are now being withdrawn; his view on whether it makes no sense that these rules now mean that Bus Éireann will pick up one child from a house and not another; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24777/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills

Changes to the Post Primary School Transport Scheme mean that from the 2012/13 school year, eligibility for all children newly entering a post primary school is determined by reference to the distance they reside from their nearest Post-Primary Education Centre having regard, as heretofore, to ethos and language. In general, existing eligible and catchment boundary children including those who are not attending their nearest post primary centre retain their transport eligibility for the duration of their post primary education cycle provided there is no change to their current circumstances. Siblings of these children and other children who are not eligible for school transport, including children in the Castlehackett area, may apply for transport on a concessionary basis in accordance with the terms of the Post Primary School Transport Scheme. The opening of a new post primary school in Claregalway means that some children who reside in the Corrandrum area of Galway are now eligible for school transport to this school. The terms of the Post Primary School Transport Scheme are being applied equitably on a national basis.