Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 673: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to the school transport fee for students which has been increased so that it is almost doubled to more than €300; if, in view of the hardship that this will cause for parents who are not in a position to pay this and that many will now choose to drive their children to school rather than pay this increase, causing more congestion on the roads, this will be reduced as a matter of urgency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22552/09]

Seán Haughey (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
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The annual charges for school transport services are being increased from the first term of the 2009/10 school year as follows: Eligible post-primary pupils (junior) from €168 to €300 (78% increase) Eligible post-primary pupils (senior) from €234 to €300 (28% increase) Concessionary post-primary pupils from €234 to €300 (28% increase) Concessionary primary pupils from €120 to €200 (66% increase) Maximum family charge from €495 to €650 (31% increase).

The cost of school transport in 2009 is now estimated to be €192 million. However, this still represents a significant increase of over €82 million (over 75%) since 2004, up from €109.8 million.

I wish to point out that, despite the escalating costs of the service, charges for school transport had not been increased from 1998 until the third school term in the 2007/08 school year. A further increase was put in place at the start of the 2008/09 school year and the new charges come into effect from September 2009. The total contribution of charges from parents in 2009 will still only represent about 8.6% of the overall expenditure for school transport.

In the overall context and in order to minimise the overall effects, charge increases have been confined to the eligible post-primary 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.

Parents are also being given the option of spreading the amount due over two payments payable in July and December 2009. Those who pay the full annual charge, in advance, will benefit from a ticket being issued for the school year and this includes pupils on concessionary travel. In relation to any decision made by parents for their children not to avail of school transport, my Department will continue to monitor this aspect with Bus Éireann over the coming months.

While I appreciate the Deputy's concerns, given the factors that I outlined, it is not envisaged that there will be a change in the payment arrangements as outlined above.