Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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267. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills when a detailed reply will issue to a letter from this Deputy (details supplied) sent some considerable time ago; the time frame within which she views it satisfactory for such replies to issue; the reason for the delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29297/15]

Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)
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Given the increase in the School Transport Section workload at this time of the year combined with the routine administrative work in relation to school transport provision generally, regrettably, it was not feasible to deal with the increased volume of representations in a more timely manner.

In relation to the query raised by the Deputy, I can advise that under the terms of my Department's Primary School Transport Scheme children are eligible for transport where they reside not less than 3.2 kilometres from and are attending their nearest national school as determined by the Department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.

A minimum number of 10 eligible children residing in a distinct locality, as determined by Bus Éireann, is 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 has advised that, to date, the number of applicants for school transport, to the school in question, for the 2015/16 school year has fallen below the minimum number required to retain the existing service.

Families of eligible children, for whom there is no school transport service available, are eligible for the remote area grant towards the cost of making private transport arrangements.