Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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119. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if consideration has been given to representations in relation to school transport on behalf of persons (details supplied) in County Galway; the reason for the delay in replying to the query; when it is likely a full and comprehensive reply will issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3385/17]

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 Post Primary School Transport Scheme children are eligible for transport where they reside not less than 4.8 kilometres from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre as determined by the Department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.

Bus Éireann has advised that the children in question are eligible for school transport but the family did not submit their payment details before the deadline date; the service is operating to capacity for the current school year.