Nicky McFadden (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if waivers are available within the school transport scheme for families (details supplied) in County Westmeath who do not have the financial means to pay school transport costs; if he acknowledges that some students attend for viable reasons a particular school that is not the closest one to their home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50941/12]

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 school 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 child in question is not attending his nearest education centre and is therefore not eligible for school transport in accordance with the above criteria.

Children who are not eligible for school transport 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.

Children who are eligible for school transport and who hold valid medical cards (GMS) are exempt from paying the annual charge. While it is the prerogative of parents to send their children to the school of their choice, eligibility for school transport is to the nearest school.