Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 14 January 2015
863. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Education and Skills in view of the granting of permanent status to a school (details supplied) in County Clare, if she will now sanction transport for students in the Ennis catchment area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1720/15]
View answerUnder the terms of my Department's Primary School Transport Scheme, children are eligible for transport where they reside not less than 3.2 kilometres from and are attending their nearest national school as determined by the Department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language. Bus Éireann has advised that there are a number of school transport services operating into the school in question. However, children residing in the Ennis area are not eligible for school transport to this school as they are not attending their nearest school, having regard to ethos. Children who are not eligible for school transport may avail of transport on a concessionary basis only subject to a number of terms and conditions including the availability of spare seats on existing services and payment of the annual charge. The closing date for receipt of applications for the 2015/16 school year is Friday 24th April 2015; applications received will be assessed by Bus Éireann in accordance with the terms of the scheme.
