Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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416. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will clarify the changes in the primary school transport scheme that have commenced in September 2013 as they relate to closed schools and or central schools; if he will clarify that persons resident more than 3.2 kilometres from their nearest school are still entitled to transport on a priority basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38621/13]

Ciarán Cannon (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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Changes to the School Transport Schemes, including the 'Closed School Rule (CSR)', were announced in Budget 2011 and derived from recommendations in the Value for Money Review of the Scheme.

From the commencement of the 2011/12 school year the distance eligibility criterion of 3.2 kilometres was applied nationally to all children travelling under the primary school transport scheme, including those travelling under the CSR.

The second element of the change which took effect from the commencement of the 2012/13 school year applied only in the case of children commencing their primary education from that date. This second element restricted eligibility for school transport to those children who meet the distance eligibility criterion and are travelling to their nearest school.

Children who were eligible for school transport and who are availing of school transport services, will retain their eligibility for the duration of their primary education cycle provided there is no change in their current circumstances.