Ciarán Cannon (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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The changes to school transport relating to school transport provision under the Closed School Rule, were announced in the 2011 budget by the previous Fianna-Fáil-Green Party Government and derive from a recommendation in the recently published Value for Money Review of the scheme. This review was conducted in accordance with criteria for such reviews and included independent expertise. In essence the change to the rule means that the distance criteria will be applied uniformly and equitably on a national basis. From the 2012/2013 school year, school transport eligibility for all pupils newly entering national schools will be determined by reference to the nearest national school, having regard to ethos and language.

Existing eligible primary pupils availing of transport under the Closed School Rule will retain transport eligibility for the duration of their schooling, provided the requisite distance is met.