Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 February 2014
227. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding school transport in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5192/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the terms of my Department's Primary School Transport Scheme, children are eligible for transport where they reside not less than 3.2 kms from and are attending their nearest national school 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, has advised that the child in question is not attending his nearest national school and is therefore not eligible for school transport. This case has also been the subject of an appeal to the School Transport Appeals Board which has made a determination in the matter. The parents have been notified of this decision.
Where my Department is satisfied that a school does not have capacity to enrol additional children, then these children may have their transport eligibility considered by reference to the distance they reside from their next nearest school. As my Department is not satisfied that this is the case in this instance, the child in question may only avail of school transport on a concessionary basis.
