Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 September 2021
259. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Education if statistical information will be provided in relation to the school transport scheme by county in tabular form (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47307/21]
View answerSchool Transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the current school year over 114,100 children, including over 14,700 children with special educational needs, are 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 completed 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. 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.
Bus Éireann has confirmed that to date some 104,900 pupils have been issued tickets for the School Transport Scheme. This number is continuing to change as tickets continue to be allocated to pupils where capacity is available. The information requested by the Deputy is not readily available, however, School Transport Section of my Department will revert directly to the Deputy with this information when it is available.
