Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 1087: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the rules regarding the school transport scheme whereby children of the same family are not allowed onto the bus at the same stop; and if he will make a commitment to resolving this anomaly as soon as possible. [33129/09]

Seán Haughey (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
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Under the terms of my Department's Post Primary School Transport Scheme, pupils are eligible for transport if they reside 4.8 kilometres or more from and are attending their nearest Gael Choláiste.

The situation referred to by the Deputy arose following the establishment of a new second Gael Choláiste in 2007 located south of the town referred to in the details supplied.

Eligible pupils who, prior to the establishment of the new Gael Choláiste had transport from the town in question to the original Coláiste referred to in the details continue to avail of such transport, subject to the terms of the scheme, until they complete their second level education.

All new applicants for transport from the town, including children in the same family, have their applications assessed on the basis of distance from home to the nearest Gael Choláiste. Therefore, those pupils including siblings, who reside 4.8 kilometres or more from their nearest Gael Choláiste and who choose to attend a Gael Choláiste other than their nearest may only avail of transport from the catchment boundary.

I should add that the Value for Money Review of the School Transport Scheme, including catchment boundaries, is due to be completed by the end of 2009.