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.

My Department has regular engagement with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform as part of the estimates process, and for any particular funding requirements for the school transport scheme. In addition, any future funding requirements arising from the implementation of recommendations from the review of the school transport scheme will be sought in the context of the annual budgetary process.

Officials from the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform have been updated during all phases of the review of the School Transport Scheme.