Paudge Connolly (Cavan-Monaghan, Independent)
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Question 515: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if a report will be provided on the recent review of school transport catchment areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2859/06]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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A general review of catchment boundaries has not taken place and a nationwide review is necessary. Catchment boundaries have their origins in the establishment of free post-primary education in the late 1960s and were determined following consultation with local educational interests. For planning purposes, the country was divided into geographic districts each with several primary schools feeding into a post-primary centre with one or more post-primary schools. The intention was and continues to be that these defined districts facilitate the orderly planning of school provision and accommodation needs.

Reviews of specific catchment boundaries may be carried out where appropriate. A number of reviews have been carried out over the years where, for example, a new post-primary school is established in an area where previously there was none or, conversely, where a sole provider school closes due to declining enrolment. The area development planning initiative, involving an extensive consultative process carried out by the Commission on School Accommodation, will also inform future revisions to catchment areas. An area development plan takes account of demographic changes and projects future enrolments for existing schools and new schools if required. Catchment boundary changes will be made where the implementation of the recommendations in an area development plan requires such adjustments.

Catchment boundaries have provided and continue to provide a useful tool in facilitating the orderly planning of school provision and accommodation needs and the operation of the national school transport service.

Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 516: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9 is being denied transport to take them to school; and if assistance will be given. [2884/06]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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My Department has recently sanctioned a transport service for the pupil referred to by the Deputy in the details supplied. Bus Éireann, which organises the school transport scheme on behalf of my Department, has been asked to make the necessary arrangements in this regard. I understand transport may be required to a different school from the end of February next. On receipt of an application in this regard, the matter will be considered.