Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 158: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will consider facilitating families that are affected by changes in the closed school rule in Budget 2011, which may be faced with the prospect of sending some family members to different schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22585/12]

Ciarán Cannon (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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Changes to the School Transport Schemes, including the 'Closed School Rule (CSR)', were announced in Budget 2011 and derive from recommendations in the Value for Money Review of the Scheme. The Deputy will be aware that from September 2011, the distance criterion of 3.2 kilometres was applied nationally to all pupils travelling under the primary school transport scheme, including those travelling under the CSR. The second element of the change is scheduled to take effect in September 2012 and will apply only in the case of pupils commencing their primary education from that date. This second element will restrict school transport eligibility for those pupils entering in September 2012, to pupils who meet the distance eligibility criterion and are travelling to their nearest school. Existing eligible pupils, who are availing of school transport services, will retain their eligibility for the duration of their primary education cycle provided there is no change in their current circumstances. Pupils who are not eligible for school transport may apply for transport on a concessionary basis subject to a number of terms and conditions. It is worth noting that the charge for primary school pupils availing of transport on a concessionary basis will be reduced to €100 per annum from September 2012; this is the same charge that applies to eligible pupils.