Danny Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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366. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will provide an update on an appeal by a person (details supplied) for a transport grant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10969/23]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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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 4,000 children who have arrived to Ireland from Ukraine.

The total cost of the scheme in 2022 was €338.9m.

Decisions made by, or on behalf of, the Department of Education regarding the provision of school transport services and/or grant-aid under the terms of the School Transport Schemes may be appealed to the School Transport Appeals Board.

This Board is independent in the performance of it’s functions and will liaise directly with the appellant regarding an appeal date for any appeal lodged followed by their subsequent deliberations

The family may also wish to contact the appeals board directly at schooltransportappealsboard@education.gov.ie in relation to the appeal.