James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding an application for school transport 2012/13 in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath; the refusal of which is causing extreme hardship; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48084/12]

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.

Bus Éireann, which operates the school transport scheme on behalf of my Department, has advised that the pupil referred to by the Deputy is not attending her nearest education centre as determined by my Department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.

Children who are not eligible for school transport under the terms of the scheme may apply to Bus Éireann for transport on a concessionary basis provided there are spare seats available on the service, and the appropriate annual charge is paid. Only eligible children who hold valid medical cards (GMS Scheme) are exempt from paying the annual charge.