Robert Troy
Ceist:202. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will reconsider either the boundaries of the school transport scheme or the cost of the transport to a child's chosen school. [33034/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 9 July 2013
Ceisteanna (202)
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 my Department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.
Bus Éireann, which operates the school transport scheme on behalf of my Department, has advised that the child referred to by the Deputy will not be attending her nearest education centre and is therefore not eligible for school transport.
Children who are not eligible for school transport may apply to Bus Éireann for transport on a concessionary basis subject to a number of a conditions including the availability of spare seats on an existing service and the payment of the annual charge.
The family in question should liaise with their local Bus Éireann office regarding the availability of transport on a concessionary basis for the 2013/14 school year. While it is the prerogative of parents to send their children to the school of their choice, eligibility for school transport at post primary level is to the nearest education centre/school.