School Transport Eligibility

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 July 2016

Tuesday, 12 July 2016

Questions (290)

Martin Heydon

Question:

290. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Education and Skills why a person (details supplied) has been changed to a concessionary school bus ticket when they used to have an eligible one; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21305/16]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills

Changes to the eligibility criteria for my Department's Primary School Transport Scheme were announced in December 2010 by the then Government as part of measures contained in Budget 2011 and derived from recommendations contained in the Value for Money review of the scheme.

However, children who had an eligibility for school transport prior to the introduction of these changes retain this eligibility for the duration of their primary school education provided there is no change in their circumstances.

Bus Éireann, which operates the School Transport Scheme, has confirmed that the child in question was incorrectly categorised as ineligible for school transport.

This error has now been rectified and Bus Éireann will contact the family directly.