Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)
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Question 157: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if the free school transport scheme for medical card holders will be extended to a person (details supplied) in County Waterford when they have not been accepted to a school in their catchment area and subsequently attend a school in the adjoining area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33086/12]

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 by my Department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.

Children who are not eligible for school transport may apply for transport on a concessionary basis subject to a number of conditions; one of these conditions includes the payment of the annual charge. Only eligible children who hold valid medical cards (GMS Scheme) are exempt from paying the annual charge. Children who applied for enrolment in their nearest school but who did not secure a place may have their school transport eligibility considered by reference to the distance they reside from their next nearest school. This consideration will only apply where my Department is satisfied that the child's nearest school does not have the capacity to enrol additional first year pupils.