Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 July 2016
99. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding a bus service; if he will provide reassurance in this case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19989/16]
View answerIn general, children are eligible for transport where they reside not less than 3.2 kilometres from and are attending their nearest national school as determined by the Department/Bus Éireann.
The Deputy will be aware that 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 retention of school transport service.
In this regard, Bus Éireann has advised that the number of eligible children who have applied for school transport for the 2016/17 school year has fallen below this minimum number requirement and as a result the service will not operate for the next school year. Families of eligible children, for whom there is no school transport service available, are eligible for the remote area grant towards the cost of making private transport arrangements.
The terms of the scheme are applied equitably on a national basis.
