School Transport Provision

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 1 October 2014

Wednesday, 1 October 2014

Questions (169)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

169. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills when Bus Éireann expects to restore free school transport in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37382/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills

Under the terms of my Department's Post Primary School Transport Scheme, children are eligible for 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.

Bus Éireann has confirmed that the pupil in question resides closer to the school in County Meath than the school in County Offaly and therefore is not eligible for school transport.

Bus Éireann has advised that the pupil in question is currently availing of transport on a concessionary basis.

The terms of the Post Primary School Transport Scheme are applied equitably on a national basis.