Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 July 2015
783. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will ensure that a school bus route that has been in operation for a number of years in an area (details supplied) in County Laois will continue to serve students who are in this area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28675/15]
View answerUnder 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 post primary school/education centre as determined by the Department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.
A minimum number of 10 eligible children residing in a distinct locality, as determined by Bus Éireann, are required before consideration may be given to the establishment or retention of school transport services, provided this can be done within reasonable cost limits.
Bus Éireann has advised that the number of eligible applicants, for the service in question, had fallen below the minimum number required by the closing date for applications in April. However, they have received a number of late applications and provided these applicants complete the payment process for tickets the service will be retained.
