Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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127. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to provide an update on the pay review for school bus escorts; the reason this was not carried out as part of the general public service review; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26648/24]

Sorca Clarke (Longford-Westmeath, Sinn Fein)
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128. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the reason pay for bus escorts was not reviewed at the same time as the minimum wage and public service pay reviews. [26651/24]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 127 and 128 together.

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 set the rate of pay.

Under the provisions of the Education Act, 1998 the Board of Management is the authority charged with the direct governance of a recognised school. The Board manages the school on behalf of the patron.

The employment of a School Transport Escort is sanctioned by the School Transport Section of the Department. The Escort is then employed by the School Board of Management or the relevant Education and Training Board (“ETB”) whichever is applicable.

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 are 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.

The new public service agreement provides for pay increase to public servants covered by the Unions who have signed up to the agreement, subject to compliance with sectoral action plans and industrial peace provisions of the agreement. The increase does not apply beyond public servants and therefore grant funded school staff such as caretakers, bus escorts and cleaners employed directly by schools are not comprehended by the agreement.

Bus Escorts do not fall under the recent pay deal mentioned above, however, the Department of Education will continue to keep the rates of pay of bus escorts under review.

As the Deputy is 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. My Department is currently working through this action.

Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael)
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129. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 173 of 14 February 2024, if she will confirm when this review will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26661/24]

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 Principal/Board of Management is 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.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 are 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, and the Department will continue to keep the rates under review.As the Deputy is 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. My Department is currently working through this action.