James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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64. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will review and revise the decision not to assist a student (details supplied) in County Longford to attend a school in County Longford with a school travel pass which is the nearest secondary school to their home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3010/14]

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 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. Children who are not eligible for school transport may apply to Bus Éireann for transport on a concessionary basis subject to a number of a conditions including the availability of spare seats on an existing service and the payment of the annual charge. 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 has advised that the pupil in question is availing of a service to school for the 2013/14 school year on a concessionary basis.