Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 September 2021
420. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education her plans to extend the cut-off point for applying for school transport and remote area grant to facilitate those forced to move house or change schools after the April closing date; if exceptions can be applied in these circumstances;; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43499/21]
View answerThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department. In the 2020/2021 school year over 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.
All children who are eligible for school transport and who complete the application and payment process on time for the 2021/22 school year will be accommodated on school transport services where such services are in operation. In addition all post-primary pupils who are otherwise eligible for school transport but are attending their second nearest school and who have applied and paid on time will be accommodated on school transport services where such services are in operation. This arrangement is in place for current school year pending completion of the full review of the School Transport Scheme.
Children who are not eligible for school transport may apply for transport on a concessionary basis only and are offered seats where capacity exists after all eligible children have been catered for.
A child who is eligible for school transport but for whom no transport service is available may, following an application for transport within the prescribed time limits, receive a Remote Area Grant towards the cost of private transport arrangements.
If a family has a specific query arising from changed circumstances they are advised to contact School Transport Section of my Department.
