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School Transport

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 July 2012

Tuesday, 3 July 2012

Ceisteanna (222)

Tom Fleming

Ceist:

228 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will make available an additional bus to accommodate the increase of 18 students attending Causeway comprehensive school, County Kerry, from the Abbeydorney and Ardfert area next September; if not, if he will alternatively reorganise transport to cater for the changes in school capacity and attendance figures, that is, that the nearest school with capacity available would become their primary designated school and provide the adequate transport required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31838/12]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Under the terms of my Department's Post Primary School Transport Scheme children are eligible for transport where they reside not less than 4.8 kms from and are attending their nearest education centre as determined by the Department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.

Bus Éireann, which operates the School Transport Scheme on behalf of my Department, determine eligibility by measuring the shortest traversable route from a child's home to the relevant education centre. Bus Éireann are currently processing applications for school transport for the 2012/13 school year. The number and size of vehicles required will be determined by the number of eligible pupils whose applications are finalised by the deadline date at the end of July. Children who are not eligible for school transport may apply for transport to a particular school on a concessionary basis in accordance with the terms of the scheme.

Children who applied for enrolment in their nearest school but who did not secure a place may have their school transport eligibility considered by reference to the distance they reside from their next nearest school. This consideration will only apply where my Department is satisfied that the child's nearest school does not have the capacity to enrol additional first year pupils.

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