School Transport.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 October 2004

Wednesday, 6 October 2004

Ceisteanna (112, 113)

Billy Timmins

Ceist:

230 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to an appeal from person (details supplied); if, in view of the circumstances in this case the children can be facilitated on the bus; if this decision can be made as a matter of urgency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23691/04]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

Under the terms of the post-primary school transport scheme, an eligible pupil may be allowed the concession of transport to a centre other than the post-primary centre which caters for the catchment area in which s/he lives provided there is room for them on the bus serving that centre. They are, themselves, responsible for getting to the catchment boundary.

The families referred to in the details supplied by the Deputy have submitted an appeal against a decision not to provide the concession of catchment boundary transport this year. The case will be forwarded to the School Transport Appeals Board at its next meeting.

Billy Timmins

Ceist:

231 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow; if, in view of the circumstances, this person can be facilitated on the bus; if this decision can be made as a matter of urgency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23692/04]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

In order to be eligible for transport under the terms of the post-primary school transport scheme, a pupil must reside three miles or more from, and be attending the post-primary school which caters for the catchment area in which s/he lives.

The pupil referred to in the details supplied by the Deputy is not eligible for school transport as she resides less than three miles from the centre which caters for the catchment area in which she lives.

The transport liaison officer of the relevant VEC, advised the family that the pupil was ineligible for transport under the terms of the scheme and that it was open to them to appeal this decision to the School Transport Appeals Board.