Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

292. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills whether concessionary Bus Éireann school bus ticket holders (details supplied) will be accommodated with permanent seats on school bus services if there is sufficient space for them to do so; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49926/25]

Michael Moynihan (Cork North-West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth.

The purpose of the Department's School Transport Scheme is, having regard to available resources, to support the transport to and from school of children who reside remote from their nearest school.

Under the current terms of the School Transport Schemes, children are eligible for transport at primary level where they reside not less than 3.2 kilometres from and are attending their nearest national school, and at post primary level where they reside not less than 4.8 kilometres from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre as determined by the department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.

Bus Éireann has advised that this pupil is eligible for school transport to their school of attendance.

Bus Éireann has also advised that the family submitted a late applications and payment/entering their medical card details for the 2025/26 school year. However, they further advise that the service is operating to capacity and there are no seats available for the 2025/26 school year.