Bobby Aylward (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

165. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the exact number of decisions overturned in respect of the school transport application process by the school transport appeals office within his Department for the academic years 2015-16 and 2016-17, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28154/16]

John Halligan (Waterford, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The School Transport Appeals Board is independent of my Department.

The Deputy will be aware that the role of the Board is, broadly, to examine appeals against decisions made by, or on behalf of, the Department of Education and Skills regarding the provision of school transport services and/or grant-aid under the terms of the School Transport Schemes.

In 2015 and 2016 no appeals were overturned however, a number of appeals were referred by the Board to my Department's School Transport Section for clarification and/or further consideration arising from additional information which came to light during the appeals process.

The Programme for Government commits to review the criteria and guidelines for the School Transport Appeals Board.