School Transport

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 July 2012

Thursday, 5 July 2012

Ceisteanna (75)

Michael McCarthy

Ceist:

75 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will reconsider an application to access the school transport service (details supplied); if he will consider the difficulties the decision will cause for the family involved in terms of cost and inconvenience; if he will take into consideration the fact that it is not possible for the family to reside where Bus Éireann have advised they should in order to access this service; the alternative options that are available in this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32875/12]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills (Deputy Ciarán Cannon)

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 my 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.

The family referred to by the Deputy are not attending their nearest post primary school and are therefore not eligible for school transport under the terms of the scheme.