Dan Neville (Limerick West, Fine Gael)
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Question 382: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the case of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17662/10]

Seán Haughey (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Deputy is aware that a new annual school transport charge, which replaced the term charges, was introduced for the 2009/10 school year. The revised charges have been confined to eligible post-primary children and primary and post primary 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 still travel free. 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. As previously advised, my Department, in conjunction with Bus Éireann, is reviewing aspects of the current arrangements in the light of experiences this year.