Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

169. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills when Bus Éireann expects to restore free school transport in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37382/14]

Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

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 kilometres from and are attending their nearest education centre as determined by my Department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.

Bus Éireann has confirmed that the pupil in question resides closer to the school in County Meath than the school in County Offaly and therefore is not eligible for school transport.

Bus Éireann has advised that the pupil in question is currently availing of transport on a concessionary basis.

The terms of the Post Primary School Transport Scheme are applied equitably on a national basis.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

170. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills when Bus Éireann expects to restore free school transport in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37384/14]

Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

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 kilometres from and are attending their nearest education centre as determined by my Department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.

Bus Éireann has advised that the child in question is not attending her nearest school and therefore is not eligible for school transport.

In general, children who are not eligible for school transport under the terms of the scheme may apply for transport on a concessionary basis subject to a number of conditions that are detailed in the scheme. However, in this case, Bus Éireann has advised that the existing service is operating to capacity.

The family should continue to liaise with their local Bus Éireann office in Athlone (Tel. No. 090 6473277) regarding the future availability of school transport on a concessionary basis.

The terms of the Post Primary School Transport Scheme are applied equitably on a national basis.