Michael Lowry (Tipperary North, Independent)
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Question 295: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide assurances that in the post primary school transport scheme for the academic year of 2012/2013, the eligibility requirement that a child must attend the nearest school having regard to ethos and language, due regard will be had for the wishes of parents who would prefer that their children be educated in a non-denominational school even if this school is further from an ethos-based school; if this will be the case if the children are actually classified as being of the religion of the closer, ethos based school; if such children will have an automatic entitlement to school transport and are not concessionary students; if such students who hold medical cards will have the charges waived; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25471/12]

Ciarán Cannon (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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Under the terms of the Post Primary School Transport Scheme children are eligible for transport where they reside not less than 4.8 kms from and are attending their nearest education centre as determined by the Department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.

In relation to school transport provision, ethos relates to religious ethos and is in the context of provision for minority religions.

New applications for school transport, for the 2012/13 school year, will be assessed taking into account the designation of the individual school to which transport is sought. Pupils who are considered eligible for school transport under the terms of the scheme are exempt from the annual charge if they hold valid medical cards (GMS Scheme).