Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 624: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if, in respect of the provision of transport for eligible students to post-primary schools, his attention has been drawn to the fact that during the 2008-09 school year and for previous years, payment for such transport was made on a per term basis, but for the 2009-10 school year, new and increased charges were introduced, and the charge at the level of junior and senior students is fixed at €300 payable in full by 31 July or in two instalments by 31 July and 4 December; if, in this context, his further attention has been drawn to the fact that this has created hardship for families that already have students attending a school and paying charges, which has resulted in parents being unable to pay the full charges demanded, and who have tried to transport their children to school privately or resorted to utilising private operators that take payments on a weekly basis, which is much more parent-friendly; if same system will be applied by Bus Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8064/10]

Seán Haughey (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The school transport scheme, which is operated by Bus Éireann on my Department's behalf, facilitates the transportation of over 125,000 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 replaced the term payment system enabled Bus Éireann to streamline the payments system and the allocation of tickets. It also ensures that route planning and seating arrangements are managed in a more efficient and cost effective manner.

Furthermore, 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.

The increase in school transport charges is confined to eligible post-primary pupils and pupils 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. In addition, eligible children attending primary schools and children with special needs will still travel free.

A maximum family rate of €650 also applies.

While I appreciate the Deputy's concerns, given the complexity of the system and the necessity to provide a seat for each child availing of school transport services, it would not be feasible or practical to provide seats on a weekly basis.