Eamon Scanlon (Sligo-Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
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61. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills when she will implement the recommendations of the school transport review concerning lowering the minimum distance limits in relation to the school transport scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59604/25]

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.

As part of the recommendations of the School Transport Review, a number of School Transport pilots began in the 2024/2025 school year. These pilots are continuing for the current school year.

It was outlined at the time of the publication of the review that, given that the proposed changes to the eligibility criteria are likely to further increase demand for the scheme, it is prudent to implement the proposed changes on a phased basis.

In line with the recommendations arising from the review, the School Transport Section of my Department engaged with Bus Éireann to assess and identify where more pilots could be successfully delivered for the current school year.

A small number of new pilots have been selected, and the Department has provided sanction to Bus Éireann to review where additional capacity may be available for concessionary pupils who paid on time and would become eligible if the revised school transport scheme criteria was rolled out full. As part of these pilot routes, the distance criteria for pupils is 2km for primary and post primary and the need for a pupil to be attending their nearest school is removed.

Some of these pilots are up and running and the remainder are going through procurement. The sourcing of additional capacity can take time where a procurement process is required, and subsequent vehicle and driver safety compliance checks need to be completed.

These pilots will provide valuable insights on the impact increased demand will have on the scheme, the potential to integrate public transport services with school transport services, and the facilitation of more sustainable modes of transport.

Priority is given to provide school transport to pupils that are eligible under the current terms of the school transport scheme. Provision of additional services as pilot projects will be subject to the availability of vehicles and drivers in each area.

Implementation of the recommendations of the review will continue to be planned subject to resources being available to meet the increased demand.