John Paul O'Shea (Cork North-West, Fine Gael)
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471. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 471 of 30 September 2025, if he will further engage with Bus Éireann regarding a person’s response to the reply received (details supplied); to provide clarity on same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55145/25]

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 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, as determined by the department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.

Eligible children who complete the application process and pay or enter their medical card details on time will get a seat on a school bus service, if a service is available.

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.

Where practicable, and subject to considerations of cost and logistics, routes are planned to avoid an eligible child having to travel more than 3.2 kms to or from a pick-up/set down point or to have travel and waiting times in excess of 1.5 hours per day.

Bus Eireann review all school transport services over the summer months. Arising from this review, routes may be altered, extended or withdrawn depending on the number and location of eligible children who will be availing of school transport for the following school year.

Home pick-up is not a feature of the School Transport Scheme.

Bus Éireann have confirmed that the family, to whom the Deputy refers, are eligible for school transport. These pupils were successful in obtaining a seat on a service for the 2025/26 school year. The family reside 1km from the pick-up point.