Written answers

Tuesday, 14 June 2022

Department of Education and Skills

School Transport

Photo of Brendan HowlinBrendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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1014. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will ensure that school transport is provided for a child (details supplied) and a number of school colleagues; if she accepts that there is significant demand for the provision of this service for the upcoming school term; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30116/22]

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 121,400 children, including over 15,500 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 €289m in 2021.

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

Parents of a child wishing to avail of school transport services, are required to apply on-line to Bus Éireann’s website at www.buseireann.ie

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.

Children who are eligible for school transport and who complete the application process on time (apply on time and pay on time) are accommodated on school transport services where such services are in operation

Children who are not eligible but who apply for school transport are considered for spare seats that may exist after eligible children have been facilitated; such seats are referred to as concessionary seats and are subject to a number of terms and conditions.

Bus Éireann review all school transport services over the summer months. Arising from this review, routes may be altered, extended or withdrawn depending on the number and location of eligible children who will be availing of school transport for the following school year.

Bus Éireann has advised that the pupil referred to by the Deputy is eligible to the school of attendance. They also advise that their Service Supervisor is currently reviewing new applications for the area and services will be allocated when determined in the coming summer months, parents will be notified when this process is finalised if the number of eligible children who apply from a distinct locality warrant the establishment of a service. Where there is no service available, eligible children will be contacted by School Transport Section of my Department to offer a remote area grant.

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