Frank Feighan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 153: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills when a response will issue regarding a school transport query in respect of a person (details supplied). [10669/11]

Ciarán Cannon (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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Bus Éireann, which operates the School Transport Schemes, on behalf of my Department has advised that the pupil referred to resides less than 3.2 kilometres from the school in question. The pupil is currently availing of school transport under the Closed School Rule (CSR).

Changes to school transport services, which were announced in the 2011 Budget by the previous Fianna Fáil-Green Party Government, will take effect from the beginning of the 2011/12 school year and will mean that the distance criterion will be applied to all pupils attending primary schools. This means that pupils categorised for transport under the CSR who reside less than 3.2 kilometres (2 miles) from the school of attendance will lose their transport eligibility. This change to school transport provision means that the distance eligibility criterion will be applied uniformly and equitably on a national basis.

Primary school pupils who are not eligible for school transport may apply for concessionary transport subject to the terms of the scheme. Parents should liaise with their local Bus Éireann office regarding the availability of concessionary school transport.