Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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348. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to reply to correspondence regarding bus escorts (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42730/24]

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 2023/24 school year over 163,800 children, including over 136,000 pupils travelling on primary and post primary services, 20,200 pupils with special educational needs, and 7,400 pupils who have arrived to Ireland from Ukraine were 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.

Over 140,000 mainstream tickets have issued for the 2024/2025 school year, which is already 3% more than the total tickets issued for the full 2023/2024 school year.

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.

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.

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 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. As the Escort is employed by the Board of Management/ETB, they are responsible for all employment related matters relating to the Escort.

Once the employment is sanctioned, the Department issues grant funding to schools by way of advance payment for the next school year.

The Board of Management/ETB has responsibility for keeping up to date and complying with policies and legislation relating to terms and conditions of employment. Amongst its obligations, the Employer (Board of Management/ETB) must provide the employee with a contract of employment which must include minimum information as prescribed by the Terms of Employment (Information) Act 1994. The Department cannot provide advice regarding terms and conditions of employment or advise on employment legislation. Schools should engage with the relevant Management Body/ETB.

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. The Department is currently working through this action which will be completed by Q4 2024.