Niamh Smyth
Ceist:983. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education if she will review a school transport case for a child (details supplied); and if she will provide an update on same. [43775/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraDáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 September 2022
983. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education if she will review a school transport case for a child (details supplied); and if she will provide an update on same. [43775/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department. In the last school year over 121,400 children, including over 15,500 children with special educational needs, were transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country at a cost of over €289m in 2021.
In July 2022, Government announced funding for the waiving of school transport scheme fees for the coming school year as part of a wider package of cost of living measures.
Ticket registration for the 2022/23 school year closed on 29 July by which time almost 130,000 applications/registrations were received for mainstream school transport. This figure includes 44,299 new applications as well as roll-overs from the previous school year.
Bus Éireann has advised that the child referred to by the Deputy was unsuccessful in obtaining a seat on board a school transport service for the 2022/23 school year as they did not complete the ticket registration process by the closing date of 29 July. All existing services in this area are currently operating at capacity.