Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail)
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Question 170: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will examine a specific aspect of school bus transport (details supplied) in light of recent changes [6863/11]

Ciarán Cannon (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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The changes to school transport services 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. The change to the rule, referred to by the Deputy, 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 Rule in question will retain transport eligibility for the duration of their schooling, provided the requisite distance criterion is met. Given the major financial constraints facing the country, it is not my intention at this stage to reverse the changes to school transport as announced in Budget 2011. We all have to remember that the decisions of the last government effectively put this country into receivership.