Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 6 December 2007
205 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if a group of children attending a primary school greater than 3.2 km from their home can avail of the school transport system due to the fact that their nearest school does not have the capacity to accommodate them. [33095/07]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the terms of my Department's Primary School Transport Scheme, pupils who reside 3.2 kilometres or more from, and are attending, their nearest suitable national school as determined by my Department, are eligible for free school transport.
It is open to pupils who are not attending their nearest school to apply for concessionary transport to the school which they are attending. Concessionary transport is offered subject to a number of terms and conditions, including the availability of spare seating on an existing service.
Parents of the pupils should liaise with their local Bus Éireann office to establish whether their children may avail of fare-paying transport on the foregoing terms.
If the Deputy wishes to forward the names and addresses of the children and the school in question, my Department will examine the particular circumstances of the case.
206 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the review of the school transport system being undertaken by her Department; and when the review will be completed. [33096/07]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government includes a commitment to review the school transport scheme. My Department is currently considering how best to progress this task. It is not possible at this stage to provide the Deputy with a timeframe.
