Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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95. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will furnish a reply to correspondence (detail supplied) regarding school transport in County Roscommon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51306/13]

Ciarán Cannon (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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Under the terms of my Department's Primary School Transport Scheme children are eligible for transport where they reside not less than 3.2 kms from and are attending their nearest national school as determined by the Department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.

Bus Éireann which operates the school transport scheme on behalf of my Department has confirmed that the family in question are not eligible for transport as they are not attending their nearest national school.

Children who are not eligible for school transport may avail of transport on a concessionary basis subject to a number of conditions including the availability of spare seats and the payment of the annual charge.

The annual charge for children who are availing of primary school transport is €100. This charge is subject to a family maximum of €220 per annum. Only children who are eligible for transport and who hold valid medical cards (GMS Scheme) are exempt from this charge.

Bus Éireann has advised that one child was incorrectly categorised as eligible for school transport for the current school year. Bus Éireann will be in contact with the family regarding this matter.