James O'Connor (Cork East, Fianna Fail)
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101. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of applications who have been paid on time of the total tickets for school transport ahead of the 2025-26 school year; the number of these applications who have been classified as being eligible for tickets; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31314/25]

Michael Moynihan (Cork North-West, 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 sand Youth.

In the current school year over 173,000 children, are transported daily in approximately 8,200 vehicles across 10,600 routes to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country.

Applications for the 2025/2026 school year closed for payment and medical card entry on 6 June 2025. As of 6 June 2025, Bus Éireann had received a total of 40,598 new mainstream applications, comprising 21,700 eligible applications and 18,800 concessionary applications.

More than 155,000 mainstream pupils (new and existing) had either paid or entered valid medical card details on time to be considered for a ticket, these are subjected to verification by Bus Éireann. Payment numbers are up by 11% on last year.

The annual fare remains unchanged from last year: €50 per primary pupil, €75 per post-primary pupil, with a maximum family contribution of €125. Pupils with a full medical card or availing of SEN transport remain exempt from charges.

The Bus Éireann family portal closed from that date for a planned three-week period, to allow time for processing of applications and detailed route planning. Ticket allocations will begin from mid-July, continuing into August.

Any applications made following the reopening of the Bus Éireann family portal will be deemed late. In these cases pupils’ applications will only be considered where capacity exists on routes when all on time applications have been assigned a seat.

The School Transport 2030 Review, approved by Government in 2024, is being implemented on a phased basis, with a target to expand capacity to carry an additional 100,000 pupils by 2030. I remain committed to delivering an efficient, equitable and sustainable service for families.