Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 14 July 2021
216. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the fact that medical card holders are unable to have their cards verified on the school transport portal; the effect this may have on their access to school transport in the coming school year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38613/21]
View answerThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department. In the 2020/21 school year more than 114,100 children, including over 14,700 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 €224.7m in 2020.
Due to the HSE ransomware attack, the medical card validation process on the Bus Éireann Family portal is not available at present. Bus Éireann is working with the HSE find a solution to this issue.
Bus Éireann has contacted family account holders who used their child’s medical card for payment in the 2020/21 school year directly advising them of this issue. Advice and regular updates are also being provided on www.buseireann.ie/schooltransport
