Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising this important issue. I know that a large number of Deputies, particularly in rural constituencies, are getting many representations about school transport, as we always do at this time of year, but they are of a very different nature this year because of the pandemic. It is absolutely the case that there have been positive Covid-19 cases among schoolchildren since schools reopened. Back in August I said that that would be the case. Some people criticised me at the time and said it was bad messaging or some such stuff. It was not messaging; I was just telling the truth and telling it as it is and making sure that parents would be prepared for the new normal in our schools, in that there will be cases among schoolchildren. So far as there is very little evidence of school transmission, which is really encouraging. We have not had significant school outbreaks. That may yet happen but it has not happened yet. The vast majority of children and teachers are much more likely to get Covid-19 in their own or somebody else’s home than they are in schools, which are very controlled and sanitary environments now, largely because of the very good work that has been done by teachers and school management to make them ready for living with Covid-19.

We are committed to ensuring that schools remain open safely and that school transport will play a vital role in that. We have invested more than €11 million in ensuring that school transport is safe. In line with new public health advice issued on 18 August, we are working to achieve 50% capacity on school buses for post-primary students. However, it was not possible to roll that out on 1,600 routes within two weeks. That change in advice came very late in the day.

We are taking a practical approach backed up with real resources to assist schools. In conjunction with the 50% capacity target, we are also working to accommodate concessionary students. As to the additional funding that the Deputy has asked about, €11.3 million has been provided for additional hygiene, sanitisation and PPE requirements on the school transport scheme. This allowance is in addition to that provided during the period of school closures between March and June, during which the Department continued to pay contractors 50% of their normal rate, even though school transport was not operating. That cost €26 million. The allowance for additional hygiene, sanitisation and PPE requirements will be kept under review and further engagement will take place with Bus Éireann, as necessary, when services resume.

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