Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 September 2014
1429. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills her views on the situation regarding school transport at a school (details supplied) in County Louth; and the alternatives she has put in palace to rectify the situation for those school children adversely affected. [34652/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that 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 kilometres from and are attending their nearest education centre as determined by my Department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.
The school transport scheme as it has operated at second level has a very restrictive approach to providing transport to other than the nearest school on the grounds of ethos. To provide transport in the circumstances set out by the Deputy would represent a significant change to the operation of the scheme with potentially wide ranging cost and other implications.
Given this fact, I have asked officials to consider this matter in its wider context and to revert to me in due course with their analysis. That said, the present position remains that I am unable to accede to the request for eligibility for transport provision in this case.
