Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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367. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills where families had previously relied on the medical card for school transportation purposes for children; if these families will be in a position to avail of the free service if a parent has been granted a medical card but a child has not; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47145/14]

Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)
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The purpose of my Department's Primary and Post Primary School Transport Schemes is, having regard to available resources, to support the transport to and from school of children who reside remote from their nearest school or education centre.

The annual charge for children availing of school transport services is €100 and €350 for primary and post primary children respectively; the charge is subject to an annual family maximum of €650. Charges may be paid in two instalments in July and December.

Only children who are eligible for school transport and who hold valid medical cards (GMS Scheme) are exempt from paying the annual charge; charges are not waived in cases where a parent only holds a medical card.