Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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526. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if supports are currently being considered to assist Ukrainian children fleeing the crisis to gain access to the school transport system; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14617/22]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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My Department, in consultation with Bus Éireann, is putting in place a new process to facilitate the provision of School Transport Scheme Services for children arriving to Ireland from Ukraine.

When set up, there will be link to a form (which will also be available in Ukrainian and Russian) for families/host families to complete in order to apply for school transport. This form will be available on Gov.ie and further information will be circulated shortly. 

Children will be accommodated quickly on existing services where there is capacity. Children will not be charged for their ticket and normal eligibility criteria will be waived. If there is no service or capacity, a remote area grant can be offered to the family as appropriate.

Further details will issue shortly in regard to this process.  In the meantime, the Department is dealing with requests on a case by case basis.  Queries/requests should be addressed to School Transport at transportapplications@education.gov.ie or by phone during office hours to 057 9325467.