Christopher O'Sullivan (Cork South West, Fianna Fail)
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80. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if approval will be given to a pay increase for school transport bus escorts (details supplied) as they have not received any pay increase since 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16316/24]

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 is a facility within the Special Educational Needs Transport Scheme for the appointment of a School Transport Escort, where a child’s care and safety needs while on school transport are such as to require the support of a School Transport Escort.

The Department of Education provides grant funding for the employment of the School Transport Escort and sets the rate of pay. Under the Education Act 1998, the Board of Management and/or the Education and Training Boards, in respect of schools operated by them are responsible for the operation of the school and is the employer of the School Transport Escort and therefore responsible for all employment matters relating to their School Transport Escort.

As the Deputy may be aware a review of the School Transport Scheme has been completed. This review was conducted with a view to examining the current scheme, its broader effectiveness, and sustainability and to ensure it services students and their families adequately. As part of this review one of the actions outlined is that pay rates for School Bus Escorts is to be reviewed in full by the end of 2024.

It is recognised that School Bus Escorts play a vital role in supporting children with Special Educational Needs in their journey to and from school. The School Transport Section in the Department is currently carrying out a comprehensive review of matters as they relate to the escort and the information provided to schools.

An information pack for schools is being developed and will be reviewed and updated regularly.

As part of this comprehensive review the terms of employment and rate of pay for school bus escorts are also being examined.