Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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484. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if a student (details supplied) will be allocated a concessionary or non-concessionary school bus ticket at this late stage; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [61117/25]

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 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.

Children who are eligible for school transport and who complete the application process on time are 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.

I am pleased to advise that Bus Éireann has now confirmed that a seat has now become available for the pupil referred to and the family has been contacted by Bus Éireann and provided with an update.