Bus Éireann operates the school transport scheme on behalf of my Department and is responsible for the planning of routes and the designation of pick-up/set down points. Where practicable, and subject to considerations of cost and logistics, routes are planned to avoid an eligible child having to travel more than 3.2 kms to or from a pick up/set down point.
A Remote Area Grant is payable for eligible children who may have to travel 3.2 kilometres or more to, or from, a designated pick-up/set-down point. This grant is payable at the end of each school year and is based on a fixed daily rate and the attendance level at school.
As Bus Éireann has advised that this is the position in this case, my Department will be in contact directly with the family referred to by the Deputy regarding the payment of the grant.