Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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142. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will ensure that a bus service is in place to service two minority schools for the next school year (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35622/16]

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

Currently in the region of 114,000 children, including some 10,000 children with special educational needs, are being transported in over 4,000 vehicles on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country covering over 100 million kilometres annually.

The purpose of the 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.

Under the terms of the 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 the Department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.

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 2016/17 school year. However, Bus Éireann review all school transport services over the summer months. Arising from this review, routes may be established, altered, extended or withdrawn depending on the number and location of eligible children who will be availing of school transport for the following school year.