Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 1 April 2015
144. Deputy Brian Walsh asked the Minister for Education and Skills if discretion will be applied in the case of a child (details supplied) in County Galway in respect of the school transport scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13476/15]
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 the Department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.
Bus Éireann which operates the School Transport Scheme has advised that the child referred to by the Deputy is not attending his nearest all Irish post primary school and is therefore not eligible for school transport.
In general children who are not eligible for school transport may apply for transport on a concessionary basis subject to a number of terms and conditions that are detailed in the scheme.
Bus Éireann has advised that there are spare seats available on a service in question.
In this regard the family should liaise with their local Bus Éireann office at 091-537512/537694.
While it is the prerogative of parents to send their children to the school of their choice, eligibility for school transport at post primary level is to the nearest education centre/school.
