Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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Question 129: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will introduce flexibility to students who are not automatically entitled to a bus to their secondary school, which is not their nearest school by allowing supplementary payment options; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26134/12]

Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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Question 130: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the way students who are not automatically entitled to a bus to their secondary school, which is not their nearest school, can be guaranteed access to the most suitable school for their needs and ability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26135/12]

Ciarán Cannon (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 129 and 130 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 current school transport charge for eligible and concessionary post primary children is €350 per annum subject to a family maximum of €650. This charge can be paid in two instalments in July and December. Eligible children who hold valid medical cards (GM Scheme) are exempt from these charges.

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.