Written answers

Tuesday, 2 November 2021

Department of Education and Skills

School Transport

Photo of Violet-Anne WynneViolet-Anne Wynne (Clare, Sinn Fein)
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534. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will investigate the circumstances of a person (details supplied) whose application has been rejected from the school bus transport scheme despite eligibility; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52754/21]

Photo of Norma FoleyNorma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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School Transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the current school year over 113,100 children, including over 14,500 children with special educational needs, are transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country at a cost of over €224.7m in 2020.

The purpose of my Department's School Transport Scheme is, having regard to available resources, to support the transport to and from school of children who reside remote from their nearest school.

Under the terms of my Department's School Transport Schemes children are eligible for school transport where they reside not less than 4.8 kms from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre as determined by my Department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.

A minimum number of 10 eligible children residing in a distinct locality, as determined by Bus Éireann, are required before consideration may be given to the establishment or retention of school transport services, provided this can be done within reasonable cost limits.

An eligible child for whom no transport service is available may, following an application for transport within prescribed time limits, receive a Remote Area Grant towards the cost of private transport arrangements. This grant is also payable for eligible children who may have to travel 3.2 kms or more to or from a designated pick up/set down point.

Bus Éireann has advised that the pupil referred to by the Deputy is eligible for School Transport as they are attending their closest Gaelcholáiste. As Bus Eireann has also advised there is no currently no service available, the pupil is eligible to receive a Remote Area Grant towards the cost of private transport arrangements.

School Transport Section of my Department will contact eligible families directly regarding the Remote Area Grant towards the end of the current school year.

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