Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 3 July 2014
66. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will grant a person (details supplied) in County Longford free transport to a school (details supplied) which is their secondary school of choice. [28773/14]
View answerUnder the terms of my Department's Post Primary School Transport Scheme children are eligible for school transport where they reside not less than 4.8 kilometres from and are attending their nearest education centre as determined by my Department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language. The child referred to by the Deputy is not attending her nearest school and is therefore not eligible for school transport.
While it is the prerogative of parents to send their children to the school of their choice, eligibility for school transport is to the nearest school. Children who are not eligible for school transport may apply for transport on a concessionary basis only subject to a number of terms and conditions including the payment of the annual charge. This charge, which may be paid in two instalments in July and December, is a contribution towards the overall cost and does not reflect the true cost of providing these services. Only children who are eligible for school transport and who hold valid medical cards (GMS Scheme) are exempt from paying the annual charge.
The terms of the School Transport Schemes are applied equitably on a national basis.
