School Transport Eligibility

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 June 2014

Tuesday, 24 June 2014

Ceisteanna (212)

Paul Connaughton

Ceist:

212. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason the family of a person (details supplied) in County Galway has been advised that their child is ineligible for school transport in view of the fact that the school in question is the most suitable school as it is multi-denominational, and the family is non-Christian and the student has attended a non-denominational national school that was in line with the family's ethos; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27019/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills

Under the terms of my Department's Post Primary School Transport Scheme children are eligible for school 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. In relation to school transport provision, ethos relates to religious ethos and is in the context of provision for minority religions. Bus Éireann has advised that the child is question is not attending his nearest education centre and is therefore not eligible for school transport. Children who are not eligible for school transport, may apply for school transport on a concessionary basis only subject to a number of conditions which are detailed in the scheme. In this regard the family should liaise with their local Bus Éireann office regarding the availability of such transport for the 2014/15 school year.

Question No. 213 answered with Question No. 203.