James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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80. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding school catchment boundaries in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31833/14]

Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)
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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. 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. In general, existing eligible and catchment boundary children including those who are not attending their nearest post primary centre 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 children and other children who are not attending their nearest school may apply for school transport on a concessionary basis only in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Post Primary School Transport Scheme. The terms of the School Transport Schemes are applied equitably on a national basis.