Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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184. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he has control over Bus Éireann that is similar to the control over his Department's functions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26295/19]

John Halligan (Waterford, Independent)
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School transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of my Department.

There are currently over 117,500 children, including over 13,000 children with special educational needs, transported in over 5,000 vehicles on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country covering over 100 million kilometres annually.

My Department has responsibility for the overall governance of the scheme regarding policy and financial matters.

Bus Éireann administers the scheme on behalf of my Department. In this regard the company plans and manages the scheme nationally to ensure that services are in line with the specific requirements of my Department.