Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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373. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will confirm that the bus route for a school (details supplied) in County Longford and a school in County Westmeath will not be separated, and will continue as a joint bus route into the future. [35341/15]

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

In general, 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.

A minimum number 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.

The service referred to by the Deputy is operating for the 2015/16 school year. However, Bus Éireann review all school transport services over the summer months. Arising from this review, routes may be altered, extended or withdrawn depending on the number and location of eligible children who will be availing of school transport for the following school year.