School Transport Eligibility

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 November 2015

Tuesday, 3 November 2015

Questions (1010)

Willie Penrose

Question:

1010. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will investigate a shortfall in the payment of the remote area grant for the years 2001 to 2011 to a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath, who was paid the rate of €3.20 rather than the normal rate of €5.10 which applied to similar situations, and who resided a particular distance from the school where a public scheduled service was not suitable; if, in this context, same will now be reviewed; and appropriate arrears paid; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38414/15]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills

Under the terms of my Department's School Transport Scheme, an eligible child for whom no transport service is available may, following an application for transport within the prescribed time limits, receive a Remote Area Grant towards the cost of private transport arrangements.

The family in question are eligible for a grant to a pick up point in the morning and a grant from school to home in the afternoon.

Officials from my Department wrote to the family in question in February 2012 giving a detailed breakdown of the calculation used to determine the amount of grant payment they were due under the Remote Area Grant.

My Department is satisfied that the grant payments made have been calculated at the correct rate.