Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)
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Question 157: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide a breakdown of all school transport catchment areas in South Tipperary used for the free transport scheme for medical card holders; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a student living in Grange Village is not eligible for free travel to school in Cahir and is expected to travel to a Clonmel school despite the fact that a school bus for Cahir travels through Grange Village while no bus for Clonmel school travels through Grange Village and that they would have to travel a few miles to get the bus to Clonmel; his views on whether this situation is acceptable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34826/12]

Ciarán Cannon (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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The use of catchment areas to determine eligibility for school transport will cease from the commencement of the 2012/13 school year for all children newly entering post-primary school.

From this date these children will be 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. Eligible children who hold valid medical cards (GMS Scheme) are exempt from paying school transport charges.

Children who are not eligible for school transport may apply for transport on a concessionary basis only in accordance with the terms of the scheme.