Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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76. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will consider a review of the post-primary school transport scheme to consider towns where large proportions of pupils do not for traditional reasons attend the school closest to them and so are losing out on their access to free transport as in the case of pupils in an area (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27523/14]

Ciarán Cannon (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy will be aware that from the commencement of the 2012/13 school year, school transport eligibility for post primary pupils is being determined by reference to the distance they reside from their nearest post-primary education centre having regard to ethos and language. Pupils who were eligible for school transport prior to the introduction of the above change will retain their transport eligibility for the duration of their post primary education cycle provided there is no change to their current circumstances. Siblings of these pupils and other pupils, who are not eligible for school transport, may apply for transport on a concessionary basis only 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.

The changes to the Post Primary School Transport Scheme are being applied equitably on a national basis and I am satisfied with the current requirements for determining eligibility. While it is the prerogative of parents to send their children to the school of their choice, eligibility for school transport at post primary level is to the nearest education centre/school.