Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 121: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will review the school transport curtailments inherited from his predecessor with a view to the introduction of a fairer and more efficient system with an emphasis on reduction of hardship for parents and children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19457/11]

Ciarán Cannon (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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The changes relating to the School Transport Scheme derive from decisions of the previous Fianna Fáil-Green Party Government to implement recommendations in the School Transport Value for Money review and the need to obtain savings of €17 million under the four year national recovery plan. The school transport changes at primary and post primary level will, in fact, result in a simplified, fairer and more efficient system for a number of reasons:

- Eligible children who hold medical cards, currently 42% of all post primary children or some 27,000 children, will continue to be exempt from paying any charge. This exemption will also apply in respect of the new primary charge. This means that the parents and children most in need will continue to be supported.

- Children with special educational needs continue to travel free of charge

- The combined maximum family charge remains unchanged at €650, or a maximum outlay of €3.55 per day per family based on the primary standardised school year of 183 days. The payment of the school transport charge may also be spread over two instalments, payable in July and December.

- The distance criterion at primary level will now be applied equitably, nationally.

- School transport eligibility will be to the nearest school, having regard to ethos and language.