Eugene Murphy (Roscommon-Galway, Fianna Fail)
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172. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will review the case of persons (details supplied) who have been deemed ineligible for free school transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2884/17]

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.

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

Children who are eligible for school transport and who hold valid medical cards (GMS Scheme) are exempt from paying the annual charge.

However, Bus Éireann has advised that the children in question are not attending their nearest school and are therefore not eligible for school transport.

Children who are not eligible for school transport may apply to Bus Éireann for transport on a concessionary basis only provided there are spare seats available on the service, and the appropriate annual charge is paid. 

Bus Éireann has advised that the children in question are currently availing of transport on a concessionary basis.

In relation to the eldest child the family should liaise with the School Authorities and the Special Education Needs Organiser if they wish to make an application for school transport under the terms of my Department's School Transport Scheme for Children with Special Educational Needs.