Nicky McFadden (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if changes can be made to the school transport scheme to allow children who hold a medical card, but who are not attending their nearest school, or do not meet the distance criteria, to avail of free transport on a concessionary basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38552/12]

Ciarán Cannon (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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Under the terms of my Department's School Transport Scheme, 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 to Bus Éireann for transport on a concessionary basis only subject to a number of conditions which are detailed in the scheme. These children are not exempt from paying the annual charge. Given the serious fiscal conditions, I have no plans at this stage to change the current arrangements.