Johnny Mythen (Wexford, Sinn Fein)
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419. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the breakdown of the number of applications for school transport in County Wexford for the 2025/2026 academic year; the number of pupils who were issued a bus ticket under the scheme; the number of pupils who were refused a place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57206/25]

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, 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.

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.

Children who are not eligible but who apply for school transport are 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.

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.

Bus Éireann have advised that approximately 8,800 applications were received for school transport in Wexford for the 2025/26 school year, and just over 8,000 tickets issued to pupils. In relation to the remaining applications, the reasons that these did not result in tickets being issued include but are not limited to: duplicate and late applications, no service payments not received, no service in place and no seat available.