Conor McGuinness (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
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187. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the steps she will take to ensure that the bus route serving an area (details supplied) will reset the pick-up point; if her Department will undertake to engage with the parents; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27791/25]

Michael Moynihan (Cork North-West, Fianna Fail)
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Bus Eireann have confirmed that the first pickup point mentioned by the deputy was not an official one. The second one mentioned by the deputy is the official bus stop and it is operation since November 2024. There are 16 mainstream eligible pupils that reside between 250m and 2.6 km from this approved bus stop. These pupils are currently receiving transport within guidelines to a pick up point as outlined in the post primary school transport scheme.

Bus Éireann is responsible for the planning and timetabling of school transport routes. Bus Éireann endeavours, within available resources, to ensure that each eligible child has a reasonable level of school transport service in the context of the Scheme nationally.

Following the closing date for payment or entering medical card details, the Bus Éireann family portal will close. This will give Bus Éireann time to assess all applications and plan for routes and services for the 2025/26 school year.  Routes may be altered or extended depending on the number and location of eligible children who will be availing of school transport for the following school year.

Once routes have been finalised, Bus Éireann will assign tickets for each school transport service. Tickets will begin to issue in mid-July and will continue to issue throughout July and August.  Families who are unsuccessful in obtaining a seat will be notified via email and a refund will issue.