John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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221. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the arrangements he will put in place to provide school transport for persons (details supplied); if he will approve an application under the school bus transport scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19691/16]

John Halligan (Waterford, Independent)
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The Deputy will be aware that changes to the School Transport Scheme, including the 'Closed School Rule (CSR)', were announced in Budget 2011 and derived from recommendations in the Value for Money Review of the Scheme.

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 my Department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.

Children who had an eligibility for school transport under the former "Closed School Rule" retain their transport eligibility for the duration of their primary education cycle provided there is no change to their current circumstances.

Siblings of these children who are not eligible for school transport, may apply for transport on a concessionary basis only in accordance with the terms of the School Transport Scheme.

In this regard, Bus Éireann has advised that both older children are availing of a school transport service, one on an eligible basis, the other on a concessionary basis. There is no transport application for the youngest child.

While it is the prerogative of parents to send their children to the school of their choice, eligibility for school transport is to the nearest school.

The terms of the School Transport Scheme are applied equitably on a national basis.