Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 December 2016
84. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will issue a final response to a query (details supplied) that was sent to his office in September 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39212/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraSchool transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department.
Currently over 113,000 children, including some 10,000 children with special educational needs, are being 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 the 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.
Bus Éireann has advised that the child in question is eligible for school transport under the terms of the above scheme; he was originally deemed ineligible in error.
As there is no suitable school transport service available, my Department will contact the family regarding the Remote Area Grant which is payable towards the cost of making private transport arrangements.
