Michael McCarthy (Cork South West, Labour)
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77. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork was refused free school transport in view of the fact that they hold a medical card. [43522/13]

Ciarán Cannon (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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From the commencement of the 2012/13 school year, under the terms of the 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 the Department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.

Pupils who were eligible for school transport prior to the 2012/13 school year, retain their transport eligibility for the duration of their post primary education cycle provided there is no change to their circumstances.

Siblings of these pupils and other pupils who are not eligible for school transport, may apply for transport on a concessionary basis in accordance with the terms of the Post Primary School Transport Scheme. Only children who are eligible for school transport and who hold valid medical cards (GMS Scheme) are exempt from paying the annual charge.

Bus Éireann, which operates the School Transport Schemes on behalf of my Department, has advised that the child referred to by the Deputy is not attending her nearest education centre and is therefore not eligible for school transport. The child is however, availing of school transport on a concessionary basis.