Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 643: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if he will review the situation whereby students at second level availing of the school transport scheme are charged the full amount even in the situation when they are only availing of the transport for part of the year as in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Waterford. [4492/10]

Seán Haughey (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
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A new annual school transport charge, which replaced the term charges, was introduced for the 2009/10 school year. Provision was made for parents to spread the charge over two payments in July and December.

This new method of payment assists Bus Éireann in planning an efficient and cost-effective school transport service well in advance of a school year based on the level of demand for seats. It also provides comfort to parents in the knowledge that on payment of the charge, a seat is guaranteed for the school year in question.

I appreciate the Deputy's concerns in this matter. In that regard, my Department, in conjunction with Bus Éireann, is prepared to review aspects of the current arrangements in the light of experiences this year.