James O'Connor (Cork East, Fianna Fail)
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430. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if her Department will consider correspondence (details supplied) around the school transport scheme grant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32325/25]

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.

Under the terms of my Department’s School Transport Scheme, children are eligible for transport where they reside not less than 3.2kms at primary and 4.8kms at post-primary and are attending their nearest School/Education Centre as determined by the Department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.

Children who are eligible for school transport and who complete the application process on time are accommodated on school transport services where such services are in operation.

Children who are eligible for school transport but for whom no service is available may be offered the Remote Area Grant towards the cost of making private transport arrangements. The Remote Area Grant is also payable for eligible children who may have to travel 3.2kms or more to or from a designated pick up/set down point.

The closing date for receipt of applications for the 2025/26 school year was Friday 25 April 2025.

As the application for the pupil referred to by the Deputy was received on 27 April 2025, they cannot be considered for a grant for the 2025/26 school year. The pupil would be eligible for the grant in the 2026/27 school year if there is still no service available from where they reside.

Decisions made by, or on behalf of, the Department of Education and Youth regarding the provision of school transport services and/or grant-aid under the terms of the School Transport Schemes may be appealed to the School Transport Appeals Board.

Parents or guardians of children, or children who have reached the age of 18 years, may make an appeal. Appeals can be made on-line at www.schooltransportappeals.ie