Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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Question 98: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if extra bus services will be provided to facilitate persons who wish to attend a school (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32681/12]

Ciarán Cannon (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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Under the terms of my Department's 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 my the Department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.

Bus Éireann, which operates the School Transport Scheme on behalf of my Department, determine eligibility by measuring the shortest traversable route from a child's home to the relevant education centre. Bus Éireann are currently processing applications for school transport for the 2012/13 school year. The number and size of vehicles required will be determined by the number of eligible pupils whose applications are finalised by the deadline date at the end of July.

Children who are not eligible for school transport may apply for transport to a particular school on a concessionary basis. However, in accordance with the terms of the scheme, additional or larger vehicles will not be provided to cater for children travelling on a concessionary basis.