Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 29 September 2004
594 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has initiated discussions with local educational interests in relation to a review of the catchment areas for school transport purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22654/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraFor the purposes of post-primary education provision, the country is divided into catchment areas, each of which has its own post-primary education centre. These areas were drawn up in the late 1960s in the context of the free education scheme. The catchment boundaries were determined following consultation with local educational interests and the intention was that certain primary schools would feed exclusively into each centre.
The revision of catchment areas is addressed by my Department as the need arises. It is the practice in my Department to consult local educational interests, where any such adjustments are contemplated.
Under the rules for the post-primary school transport scheme, pupils eligible for transport may be transported to the post-primary centre which caters for the catchment area in which they live. Where eligible pupils attend school at a centre other than the post-primary centre which caters for the catchment area in which they live, they may be allowed the concession of transport from the catchment boundary of the centre attended, provided there is room for them on a bus serving that centre.
