Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

There are currently 161,000 young people transported every day via Bus Éireann. It is an enormous number and an important service. I have said previously in reply to other queries that planning for the 2024-25 school year begins in the previous year. It is well under way at this point. Applications for places on the buses opened in April and I think the closing date is around 7 June for payment or medical card details or whatever the case may be, so we will have a clearer picture at that point of the numbers required, earlier than in previous years. It was early last year as well.

Contracts are entered into in good faith with subcontractors. It was very disappointing, on occasion, last year when contracts were handed back the night before the school run commenced or at some point along the way. Obviously, everybody is dependent on the bus service running as it is supposed to.

This year, as in previous years, we are ensuring it is a reduced fare. It is €50 for a primary school child, which costs the State €1,100 per child. It is €75 at post-primary, which costs the State €1,100. It is €125 for a family ticket. It is very good value. All of the engagement and planning work has been ongoing between the Department and Bus Éireann as well as engagement with parents or guardians who applied early. We look forward to a successful year ahead.

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