Pat Deering (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he intends reviewing the school transport system following last year's complications when siblings are transported to different schools and where children are walking up to two miles to get the bus while a bus to another school passes their home. [6925/13]

Ciarán Cannon (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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I take it that the Deputy is referring to post primary school transport provision.

The Deputy will be aware from previous correspondence with my Office that the changes introduced will result in a more efficient and cost effective scheme, particularly when the five year transitional transport arrangements have been completed.

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, having regard for ethos and language.

At a time when this country is experiencing serious financial difficulties I regret that I cannot reverse the changes to post primary school transport.