Written answers

Tuesday, 9 June 2009

Department of Education and Science

School Transport

8:00 pm

Photo of Arthur MorganArthur Morgan (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Question 669: To ask the Minister for Education and Science his views on spreading the times at which school transport fees must be paid over monthly periods, rather than the current twice yearly requirements at September and Christmas, two of the most costly periods in all households with children; if he will implement this new payment scheme in time for the 2009/10 school year to reduce hardship on families struggling on low income; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22536/09]

Photo of Seán HaugheySeán Haughey (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
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The school transport scheme, which is operated by Bus Éireann on my Department's behalf, facilitates the transportation of over 135,000 children to primary and post-primary schools each day. School transport is a very significant operation involving about 42 million journeys and over 82 million kilometres on 6,000 routes every school year. The introduction of the annual charge which replaces the term payment system will enable Bus Éireann to streamline the current payments system and the allocation of tickets. It will also ensure that route planning and seating arrangements are managed in a more efficient and cost effective manner.

The revised charges have been confined to eligible post-primary children and children availing of concessionary transport. Charges 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 will still travel free. A maximum family rate of €650 will also be applied.

School transport ticket invoices for the 2009/2010 School Year will be issued by Bus Eireann in July 2009. The payment options being offered to parents are as follows: - Payment of the full amount by the deadline date of 31 July 2009 - Spreading the amount due over two payments payable in July and December 2009.

Parents who pay the full annual charge, in advance, will benefit from ticket(s) being issued for the full school year. This arrangement includes pupils on concessionary travel. Parents who pay 50% of the annual amount by the deadline date of 31 July, 2009 will be issued with a ticket valid for travel up to 22 December, 2009. The balance due must be paid by 4th December, 2009. Upon receipt of this payment a second ticket valid for travel up to the end of the school year in June, 2010 will be issued.

On-line payment facilities have been introduced by Bus Éireann to make it more convenient for parents to make their payment from home, if desired. This facility is made available when ticket invoices are issued and the option to use a credit or debit card is offered. While I appreciate the Deputy's concerns, given the factors that I have outlined, it is not envisaged that there will be a change in the payment arrangements as outlined above.

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