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

134. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the status of a situation regarding Ukrainian children who cannot attend school until Bus Éireann sanctions travel insurance (details supplied) in relation to the school they are attending. [4998/23]

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 have advised that the pupils referred to by the Deputy commenced on transport on 09/01/2023.

Bus Éireann local office has spoken to the Realt co-ordinator and they are unaware of any issues on the service.