Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 25 May 2022
100. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education the revenue raised by charging school transport fees in 2021; the estimated revenue that will be raised in 2022; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26624/22]
View answerSchool Transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the current school year over 121,400 children, including over 15,500 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 €289m in 2021.
The purpose of my Department's School Transport Scheme is, having regard to available resources, to support the transport to and from school of children who reside remote from their nearest school.
In 2021, receipts from school transport charges amounted to approximately €12m (net of refunds issued arising from Covid related school closures).
School Transport is a demand led scheme and services are planned annually based on the number of eligible pupils who apply and pay on time. The closing date for receipt of payment for school transport for the 2022/23 school year is 29th July 2022. The final number of children to be accommodated on school transport services for the 2022/23 school year will not be known until after this date.
