Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 175: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he is willing to be flexible with parents of children who are willing to pay for school transport but who do not meet the eligibility criteria; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20887/11]

Ciarán Cannon (Galway East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I take it the Deputy is referring to my Department's Primary School Transport Scheme. Under the terms of this Scheme, pupils who reside 3.2 kilometres or more from, and are attending, their nearest national school as determined by my Department, are eligible for school transport. It is open to ineligible pupils to apply for concessionary transport, subject to a number of conditions, including the payment of the annual charge which is currently €200. This charge is subject to a family maximum of €650 per annum and may be paid in two instalments in July and December. It is important to note that school transport charges represent a contribution towards the cost of providing school transport services and do not reflect the actual cost which is some €1,000 per annum for a primary school pupil.