Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 122: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will report on her Department's engagement with a Minister (details supplied) from Northern Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34876/10]

Seán Haughey (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
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Subsequent to the introduction of the Department's Post Primary Transport Scheme in 1967, pupils from adjacent counties in Northern Ireland who travelled across the Border to locations in County Donegal were provided with school transport on a concessionary basis, provided they were otherwise eligible in terms of age and completion of primary education. These pupils make their own way to a pick-up point within this jurisdiction and pay the relevant charge.

The provision of concessionary transport under the general terms of the post primary scheme continues to be made available to the students referred to by the Deputy in the details supplied. Officials of both Departments have explored the number of children travelling between both jurisdictions to attend school and the extent to which school transport provision supports this. The exploration of the issues surrounding cross border school transport provision is continuing between officials from both Departments.