Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 July 2012
206 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will consider introducing a reduction in school transport charges (details supplied) for persons who have two children attending national schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36473/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraOne of the main objectives of the School Transport Scheme is to ensure that, as far as possible, eligible children have a reasonable level of service while at the same time, ensuring that school transport vehicles are fully utilised in an efficient and cost effective manner.
In this regard, Bus Éireann generally plan and timetable school transport services for children who are in attendance for the full school day. Children in infant classes may have a school day that is one hour shorter than the length of the normal school day. This is a concession in the interests of young children and allows for a perceived inability on their part to sustain the work of the full day. It is a matter for the Board of Management of a particular school to decide whether the concession should be applied in the case of the school or not. It is also a matter for the managerial authorities to arrange adequate supervision for children while they are on the school premises.
The annual charge for school transport is a contribution towards the overall cost and does not reflect the true cost of providing these services.
