Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 July 2014
190. Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the situation in respect of a post-primary school transport scheme (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28413/14]
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. The Deputy will be aware that from the commencement of the 2012/13 school year, school transport eligibility for post primary pupils is being determined by reference to the distance they reside from their nearest post-primary education centre having regard to ethos and language.
Pupils who were eligible for school transport prior to the introduction of the above change will retain their transport eligibility for the duration of their post primary education cycle provided there is no change to their current circumstances. Siblings of these pupils and other pupils, who are not eligible for school transport, may apply for transport on a concessionary basis only in accordance with the terms of the Post Primary School Transport Scheme. 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.
