Brian Stanley (Laois, Independent)
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168. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will sanction the provision of a minibus to provide transport under the school transport scheme, to convey primary students from the Portlaoise area to where there is a shortage of transport to a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31318/25]

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 and Youth. Bus Éireann has advised that pupils from the area referred to by the Deputy are generally not eligible for school transport to the school in question. Bus Éireann has further advised that they have not received any applications for school transport from the area referred to by the Deputy to the school in question. There is no service in the area operating to this school.

As the Deputy will be aware, under the current terms of the scheme, pupils at primary level are eligible where they live no less than 3.2 kilometres from and are attending their nearest primary school. At post primary level, students who live no less than 4.8 kilometres from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre are deemed eligible. Any pupils/students who do not meet these criteria are deemed not eligible, or otherwise known as concessionary applicants, and are allocated a ticket based on the availability of a seat when all eligible children have been catered for.

Where the number of applications for transport on a concessionary basis exceeds the number of seats available, Bus Éireann will determine the allocation of the tickets using a selection process.

A minimum number of 10 eligible children residing in a distinct locality, as determined by Bus Éireann, are required before consideration may be given to the establishment or retention of school transport services, provided this can be done within reasonable cost limits.

The Bus Éireann family portal has now closed for applications and payments. Bus Éireann will now assess all applications and payments received 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.

Parents may still apply for school transport following this date, but as their application is late they may not secure a seat on a service and will not be considered for a remote area grant.