Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 November 2021
254. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Education when a decision will be made on a school transport request (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58092/21]
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 completed the application and payment process on time for the 2021/22 school year are accommodated on school transport services where such services are in operation.
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 the family to which the Deputy refers can be facilitated as they have requested on a school transport service.
The Bus Éireann local office will be in direct contact with the family in respect of travel arrangements.
