Written answers

Wednesday, 6 May 2009

Department of Education and Science

School Transport

8:00 pm

Photo of John DeasyJohn Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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Question 627: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the hardship that proposed increases in school transport charges will have on rural families whose distance from the schools makes this system the only available means of transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17848/09]

Photo of Seán HaugheySeán Haughey (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
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I wish to advise the Deputy that the charge increases effective from the commencement of the 2009/10 school year apply to about 55,000 eligible post primary children and children availing of concessionary transport. Charges will continue to be waived in the case of eligible post-primary children where the family is in possession of a valid medical card. Eligible children attending primary schools and children with special needs or about 54,000 children will still travel free.

In order to minimise the impact of the new charges, a maximum family payment of €650 and parents will be offered the option to spread the charges due over two payments payable in July and December. The new charges from parents will still only represent about 7% of the overall allocation for school transport in 2009.

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