John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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Question 86: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the reason school transport was refused in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny who is the required distance from the school; the reason, in considering the case, reference was made to the closure of the Ridge National School almost 32 years ago; and if she will expedite a response. [1965/11]

Seán Haughey (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
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Under the terms of the Primary School Transport scheme pupils are eligible for free transport if they reside 3.2 kilometres or more from, and are attending, their nearest national school or school of amalgamation. In the case of amalgamations, pupils residing in a closed school area may be deemed eligible for free school transport to the school of amalgamation only.

Bus Éireann, which operates the school transport scheme on behalf of my Department, has advised that the pupil referred to by the Deputy, in the details supplied, resides in a closed school area and is not attending the school of amalgamation and therefore, is not eligible for free school transport. Pupils may avail of transport to a school other than the amalgamated school on a concessionary fare-paying basis. Such an arrangement is subject to spare seats being available on the service, the agreement of the school of amalgamation being obtained and no additional State costs being incurred by way of re-routing the service. The parents/guardians of the pupil should continue to liaise with their local Bus Éireann office regarding the availability of seats.