Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 May 2024
287. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Education the number of school bus places allocated to County Wexford applicants in September 2022 and September 2023, respectively; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21337/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the current school year over 161,600 children, including over 135,000 pupils travelling on primary and post primary services, 19,800 pupils with special educational needs, and 6,800 pupils who have arrived to Ireland from Ukraine are transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country.
The total cost of the scheme in 2023 was €382.02m.
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.
Bus Éireann has advised of the number of school bus places allocated to County Wexford applicants in September 2022 and September 2023 as follows;
|
School Year |
Number of mainstream tickets issued in Wexford |
|
2022/23 |
6923 |
|
2023/24 |
7114 |
Bus Éireann further advise that the above table only includes mainstream tickets issued in Wexford only.
