Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 June 2014
86. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will introduce an appeals process to be adjudicated upon on an individual basis for primary schools adversely affected by the 2010 changes to school bus catchment areas; if this process will give particular consideration to isolated rural schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27685/14]
View answerChanges to the Primary School Transport Scheme, including the 'Closed School Rule (CSR)', were announced in Budget 2011 and derived from recommendations in the Value for Money Review of the Scheme. From the commencement of the 2011/12 school year the distance eligibility criterion of 3.2 kilometres was applied to all children travelling under the primary school transport scheme, including those travelling under the CSR.
The second element of the change which took effect from the commencement of the 2012/13 school year applied only in the case of children commencing their primary education from that date. This second element restricted eligibility for school transport to those children who meet the distance eligibility criterion and are travelling to their nearest school. Children who were eligible for school transport prior to the introduction of these changes and who are availing of school transport services, will retain their eligibility for the duration of their primary education cycle provided there is no change in their current circumstances. The terms of the Primary School Transport Scheme are applied equitably on a national basis and I am satisfied with the current policy and criteria for determining eligibility.
