School Transport Applications

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 March 2018

Tuesday, 20 March 2018

Questions (220)

Kevin O'Keeffe

Question:

220. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Skills the progress made in the provision of school transport for a child (details supplied) in County Cork. [12140/18]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills

School transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department.

Currently over 116,000 children, including almost 12,000 children with special educational needs, are being transported in over 4,500 vehicles on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country covering over 100 million kilometres annually at a total cost of almost €190 million in 2017.

Children are eligible for transport where they reside not less than 4.8 kms from and are attending their nearest education centre as determined by the Department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.

Bus Éireann have advised that an application for school transport has been received and Medical Card details have been supplied. A ticket will issue to the family in the coming days.