John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 203: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the person whose responsibility it is to inform parents that a school bus route has been withdrawn; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23597/11]

Ciarán Cannon (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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Changes in the School Transport Scheme were announced by the previous Fianna Fáil-Green Party Government and derive from recommendations in the Value for Money Review of the scheme.

One of the changes announced included an increase from seven to ten in the minimum number of eligible pupils, residing in a distinct locality, required to establish or retain a school transport service.

In June, School Transport Section of my Department wrote to the Boards of Management of schools where the number of applications from eligible pupils had fallen below this minimum number requirement.

In addition, a list of the schools likely to be affected by this change was posted on my Department's website.

The situation in relation to the establishment, withdrawal or retention of school transport services changed frequently throughout the summer months as late applications and payments were received from eligible pupils. Some services that were identified for withdrawal were subsequently reinstated.

In light of this, it was not practical to communicate directly with individual families.