Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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1211. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding eligibility for concessionary school transport to primary schools for children who live outside the catchment area of the school which they propose to attend; if she will clarify that a pupil can be facilitated with concessionary transport for September, 2015 to a school (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30738/15]

Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)
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Under the terms of my Department's Primary School Transport Scheme children are eligible for transport where they reside not less than 3.2 kilometers from and are attending their nearest national school as determined by the Department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.

In general children who are not eligible for school transport may apply for transport on a concessionary basis subject to a number of terms and conditions that are detailed in the scheme.

Bus Éireann has advised that a ticket for a seat on a concessionary basis has issued for the child in question.

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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1212. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding backdated payment of the School Transport Grant for persons (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30757/15]

Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)
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In general, children with special educational needs are eligible for school transport if they are attending the nearest recognised mainstream school or unit that is or can be resourced, to meet their special educational needs under Department of Education and Skills' criteria.

An application for school transport for the child referred to by the Deputy was submitted on 24th July 2015 and Bus Éireann, which operates the School Transport Scheme on behalf of my Department, has advised that transport has been in place for this child since the start of the current school year.

A Special Transport Grant towards the cost of private transport arrangements may be provided at the discretion of the Department in certain situations including where Bus Éireann is not in a position to provide a transport service. Grants are only considered for the school year in which an application for transport is received.