Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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Question 126: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the reason secondary school children (details supplied) in County Mayo are being denied school transport even though the bus servicing the school of their choice passes by their door; the reason these same children are being told by Bus Éireann to avail of a service to other schools even though there is no existing bus to service such a run; his views on whether this system is unfair and insensible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26622/12]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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Question 127: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the reason a secondary school (details supplied) in County Mayo is being denied school transport even though the bus servicing the school of their choice passes by their door; the reason these same children are being told by Bus Éireann to avail of a service to other schools even though there is no existing bus to service such a run; his views on whether this system is unfair and insensible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26772/12]

Ciarán Cannon (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 126 and 127 together.

Changes to the Post Primary School Transport Scheme mean that from the 2012/13 school year, school transport eligibility for children will be determined by reference to the distance they reside from their nearest post-primary education centre having regard to ethos and language.

Existing eligible and catchment boundary children who are not attending their nearest post primary centre will retain their transport eligibility for the duration of their post primary education cycle provided there is no change to their current circumstances. Siblings of these children and other children who are not eligible for school transport, may apply for school transport on a concessionary basis only in accordance with the terms of the Post Primary School Transport Scheme.

The changes to the Post Primary School Transport Scheme will be applied equitably on a national basis.

While it is the prerogative of parents to send their children to the school of their choice, eligibility for school transport is to the nearest school, having regard for ethos and language.