James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

711. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if a school transport issue in relation to a student (details supplied) will be addressed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63700/22]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education.  In the current school year over 147,900 children, including over 18,000 children with special educational needs, are transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country.

In addition, school transport scheme services are being provided in the current school year for over 3,800 children who have arrived to Ireland from Ukraine. 

The total cost of the scheme in 2022 was €332.2m. 

Bus Éireann has advised that the child referred to by the Deputy is eligible for school transport and was issued a ticket on 26/07/2022 for a seat on services for the 2022/23 school year.  There are two alternative school transport routes passing this pupils home address, however both routes are currently operating to capacity and there are no seats available.