School Transport Eligibility

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 November 2015

Tuesday, 17 November 2015

Questions (544)

James Bannon

Question:

544. Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will examine the case of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath to ensure the person receives the due entitlement under the remote area grant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40636/15]

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.