Steven Matthews (Wicklow, Green Party)
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359. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if her attention has been drawn to the ongoing school bus application for (details supplied); if her Department can seek a resolution with Bus Éireann to ensure this student is accommodated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11650/24]

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 161,600 children, including over 135,000 pupils travelling on primary and post primary services, 19,800 pupils with special educational needs, and 6,800 pupils who have arrived to Ireland from Ukraine are transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country.

The total cost of the scheme in 2023 was €382.02m.

There has been an overall increase in both applications and tickets issued for the 2023/2024 school year in comparison to the 2022/2023 school year.

Children are eligible for transport at primary level where they reside not less than 3.2 kilometres from and are attending their nearest national school, and at post primary level where they reside not less than 4.8 kilometres from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre as determined by the Department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.

School Transport Section are engaging with Bus Éireann with regard to processing an application for school transport for the child referred to by the Deputy. Bus Éireann will liaise with the family directly with regards to issuing a ticket on board the route which services the school mentioned by the Deputy.