Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

188. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if the case of a person (details supplied) can be examined; if a school transport ticket can be issued in this case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53219/25]

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.

Under the terms of the School Transport Schemes children are eligible for transport at primary level where they reside not less than 3.2 kms from and are attending their nearest national school, and at post primary level where they reside not less than 4.8 kms from and are attending their nearest post primary 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 have completed the application and payment process on time will be accommodated on school transport services where such services are in operation.

Children who are not eligible for school transport, but who completed the application and payment process on time, will be considered for spare seats that may exist after eligible children have been facilitated; such seats are referred to as concessionary seats.

Because of the nature of concessionary transport for non-eligible children and the priority of providing places for eligible children, there may be an excess of demand over supply for concessionary places, in these cases Bus Éireann will allocate tickets for spare seats using an agreed selection process.

Bus Éireann has advised that the pupil mentioned by the Deputy resides 3.2 kms from home to school, their nearest school and school of attendance. This pupil is not eligible for transport as they do not meet the distance criteria under the post primary school transport scheme.

Bus Éireann further advise that an application was received on time for the 2025/26 school year however the pupil mentioned was unsuccessful in obtaining a concessionary seat for the 2025/26 school year and the existing service is currently operating to capacity