Michael Moynihan (Cork North-West, Fianna Fail)

I thank Deputy Mattie McGrath for raising this issue and giving me the opportunity to outline to the House the issues regarding how Bus Éireann manages the school transport system on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth. As the Deputy may be aware, the school transport 2030 report was published in early 2024, following a comprehensive analysis and review of the scheme as it currently operates. The recommended changes to the future operation of the scheme include expansion of the current eligibility criteria, addressing current operational challenges and moving towards greater integration with public transport to ensure the best value for money for the Exchequer. It is proposed to expand access to the scheme in order that an additional 100,000 pupils can be carried by 2030. A phased implementation of the review’s recommendations began at the start of the 2024-25 school year.

Following the publication of the review, the Department will test the feasibility of a number of approaches through a series of pilot programmes. These pilot programmes will be held in conjunction with the Department and Bus Éireann. A total of 14 pilot projects are under way in the current school year and are currently being evaluated. It is intended to continue current pilots for the upcoming school year. They will be monitored, and a further evaluation will take place at the end of the 2025-26 school year. The findings from these evaluations will guide the planning and implementation needed for a national roll-out of a revised school transport system.

Work is under way to identify where further pilot programmes can be conducted. A number of approaches are being examined, including the use of a geographic information system, GIS, to identify how many additional children would become eligible and where they are located. A digital mapping project of all existing school bus routes has been developed. There is ongoing collaboration with the Department of Transport, Bus Éireann and the National Transport Authority with regard to the planned expansion of public transport routes to explore where integration may be possible. This is not always possible in specific rural areas, as the Deputy noted.

It occurred to me a moment ago that I travelled to both primary and secondary school using the school transport system. The service provided he length and breadth of the country is second to none. I remember with great fondness those who drove the buses, the contractors and Bus Éireann , which made it all possible.

Implementation of the recommendations of the review will continue to be planned, subject to resources being available to meet the increased demand. Under the current terms of the school transport system, children are eligible for transport at primary level where they reside not less than 3.2 km from their nearest national school, which they must be attending. At post-primary level, a pupil must reside not less than 4.8 km from their nearest post-primary school or education centre, which they must be attending, as determined by the Department or Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.

Officials from Bus Éireann and the Department of education came into the audiovisual room two weeks ago to meet Members of the Oireachtas. It was the first time they issued an open invitation to all Members of the Oireachtas, both TDs and Senators, in order that they could hear about the challenges being faced at the school gate from Members. I always say that, in our own office, school bus tickets become an issue from 15 August and continue to arise right through until the first or second week of October. There are huge challenges in this regard. The school transport system is so important because families are relying on it now, just as they did when free education was introduced. Transport was not as widely available at that time, however. With many families having two parents working now, it is hugely important.

I assure the Deputy that I will continue to monitor this with our officials in the Department and Bus Éireann to make sure we can make changes and make it as accessible as possible.

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