Michael Moynihan (Cork North-West, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Senator from Kerry for his good wishes on the hurling. I take them very graciously. As I come from within a few miles of the County Kerry border, we know full well that it is meant with sincerity and gratitude.

I have to declare my interest in Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí. I know well that the Gaelcholáiste is an extremely well-run school under a hugely successful leadership team. There are teachers who have been there for quite a number of years. My wife has been a teacher in Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí for a long number of years. I know Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí quite well. When I was taking this Commencement matter, I was not sure if it was a conflict of interest. I wish all of the team in Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí every continued success in its amazing leadership and what it is doing there. It is an excellent school, as is all of the team working there.

The school transport scheme is a significant operation run by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth. Under the current terms of the post-primary school transport scheme, children are eligible for transport where they reside not less than 4.8 km from and are attending the nearest post-primary school education centre. The distance is determined by the Department and Bus Éireann, the rules regarding ethos and the language. Bus Éireann has advised that it is currently assessing the applications for school transport for the 2025-26 school year. I thank Bus Éireann and the Department's officials for the amount of work they have been doing since the closing date in early June. Bus Éireann has advised that pupils from the Lixnaw area attending Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí had to travel to Abbeydorney or Kilflynn previously to access this service to school. Due to the increased numbers this year, many buses have been replaced by a large vehicle that has been put in place, as alluded to by the Senator.

The route is under procurement. This service is being rerouted to give an extension to Lixnaw and give these pupils a better level of service. These pupils are eligible, as Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí is the nearest Gaelcholáiste. Relating to the pupils living in Moyvane and also attending the Gaelcholáiste having to drive to Listowel to meet the service, I can confirm to the Senator that only two applications have been received from that area. The remote area grant will be offered to families to travel to the pickup points.

As the Senator may be aware, a minimum number of ten eligible children residing in a district locality, as determined by Bus Éireann, who have applied and paid or entered their medical card details is required before consideration may be given to the establishment or the retention of a school bus transport service. This is provided it can be done within the reasonable cost limits. Bus Éireann is assessing all applications and payments received. It is now planning for the routes and services for the 2025-26 school year. Routes may be altered or extended depending on the number and location of eligible children who are availing of the school transport for the following school year. Once routes have been finalised, Bus Éireann will assign tickets for each school transport service. Tickets will begin to issue this month. They will continue to be issued through July and August. Families who are unsuccessful in obtaining a seat will be notified via email and a refund will be issued. Applications and payments or entering of medical card details submitted after the deadline will be deemed late. A late submission of payment or medical card details may mean that a seat is unavailable, but we are keeping that under review over the next number of weeks.