Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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522. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills her views on the withdrawal of school transport routes to a school (details supplied) in Counties Longford and Westmeath; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27714/15]

Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)
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Under the terms of my Department's Primary School Transport Scheme a minimum of 10 eligible children residing in a distinct locality, as determined by Bus Éireann, are required before consideration may be given to the establishment or retention of school transport services, provided this can be done within reasonable cost limits.

Bus Éireann, which operates the school transport schemes on behalf of my Department, had advised that the number of children who are eligible for school transport had fallen below this figure and as a result the service was due to be withdrawn from the end of this school year.

However, Bus Éireann has also confirmed that two children were incorrectly assessed for school transport eligibility for the 2015/16 school year.

The addition of these two children means that there is now a sufficient number of children, who are eligible for school transport, to ensure the service is retained for the next school year.

In this regard it is important that families make payment or provide medical card details by the closing date of 31st July 2015.