Seán Fleming (Laois, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

468. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will reply to the letter dated 27 May and subsequent meeting on this matter (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39032/25]

Michael Moynihan (Cork North-West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth.

Under the current terms of the scheme, pupils at primary level are eligible where they live no less than 3.2 kilometres from and are attending their nearest primary school. At post primary level, students who live no less than 4.8 kilometres from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre are deemed eligible. Any pupils/students who do not meet these criteria are deemed not eligible, or otherwise known as concessionary applicants, and are allocated a ticket based on the availability of a seat when all eligible children have been catered for.

Where the number of applications for transport on a concessionary basis exceeds the number of seats available, Bus Éireann will determine the allocation of the tickets using a selection process.

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.

Bus Éireann has advised that pupils from the area referred to by the Deputy are generally not eligible for school transport to the school in question and there is no existing service in the area operating to this school.

Bus Éireann has further advised that they have received a total of 5 applications for school transport to the school in question from the area referred to. Three of these pupils are not eligible as they are attending their 6th closest primary school, therefore the Department cannot sanction the establishment of a new service.