John Brassil (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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52. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will intervene and allow for an appeal of school transport in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30061/16]

John Halligan (Waterford, Independent)
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School transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department.

During the 2015/16 school year in the region of 114,000 children, including some 10,000 children with special educational needs, were transported in approximately 4,000 vehicles on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country covering over 100 million kilometres annually.

As the child in question is not attending his nearest post primary school he may only 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 there are still seats available on a service to the school in question. In this regard the family should liaise with their local Bus Éireann office in Tralee at 066 7164750.

While it is the prerogative of parents to send their children to the school of their choice, eligibility for school transport at post primary level is to the nearest education centre/school.