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School Transport Appeals

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 May 2018

Tuesday, 1 May 2018

Ceisteanna (147)

Seán Sherlock

Ceist:

147. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Education and Skills the detail of the responses issued to the appeal made by the parents of a child (details supplied) for the provision of school bus services. [18750/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

School transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department.

Currently over 116,000 children, including almost 12,000 children with special educational needs, are being transported in over 4,500 vehicles on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country covering over 100 million kilometres annually at a total cost of almost €190 million in 2017.

Under the terms of my Department's Post Primary School Transport scheme, children are eligible for transport where they reside not less than 4.8 kms from and are attending their nearest education centre as determined by the Department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.

My Department has been advised that the child referred to by the Deputy is not attending their nearest education centre and is, therefore, not eligible for transport under the terms of the scheme.

Children who are not eligible for school transport may apply for transport on a concessionary basis only. Concessionary transport is subject to a number of terms and conditions including the availability of spare seats on an existing service and payment of the annual charge.

Seats for concessionary applicants are allocated after all eligible children have been accommodated on school transport services. This exercise normally takes place after the closing date for receipt of payments. Where seats are limited a random selection process is used.

This case was also 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.

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