Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 July 2014
189. Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding school transport in respect of a child (details supplied) in County Carlow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28401/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe purpose of my Department's School Transport Schemes is, having regard to available resources, to support the transport to and from school of children who reside remote from their nearest school. Children are eligible for transport where they reside not less than 4.8 kilometres from and are attending their nearest education centre as determined by the Department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language. While it is the prerogative of parents to send their children to the school of their choice, eligibility for school transport is to the nearest school or education centre. In certain areas, families who choose to send their children to schools other than their nearest diminish the chance of a service being established to their nearest school.
Children who are not eligible for school transport may apply for transport on a concessionary basis only subject to a number of terms and conditions including the availability of spare seats on an existing service and payment of the annual charge. This charge, which may be paid in two instalments in July and December, is a contribution towards the overall cost and does not reflect the true cost of providing these services. Only children who are eligible for school transport and who hold valid medical cards (GMS Scheme) are exempt from paying the annual charge. The terms of the School Transport Schemes are applied equitably on a national basis.
