Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 52: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the financial implications for families of the introduction by the previous Government of a €50 per child charge for primary school pupils; the reason for the removal of the closed school policy for the provision of school transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5651/11]

Ciarán Cannon (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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The €50 charge announced by the previous Fianna Fáil-Green Party Government in the 2011 budget and which applies to all eligible primary pupils is being introduced to ensure that school transport provided for these pupils is fully utilised in a cost efficient manner. Given that the cost per child of this service is approximately €1,020 per year, it is essential to ensure that the seats provided on buses daily are utilised to the maximum extent and that services are only provided where warranted. We all have to understand the legacy of economic mismanagement which the last government gave to the country

Eligible pupils holding medical cards and pupils with special educational needs will be exempted from paying the charge. In addition, the maximum family charge to be levied at primary level for eligible pupils will be €110 while the overall combined maximum charge per family is not being increased from the current rate of €650 per annum. Parents will continue to be given the option of spreading the annual payments over two instalments in July and December.

The changes to school transport relating to school transport provision under the Closed School Rule also announced in the 2011 budget, 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.