Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 July 2022
560. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education if she will extend eligibility for school transport to the second nearest post-primary school to primary school students; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37749/22]
View answer571. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Education further to Parliamentary Question No. 412 of 31 May 2022, if a decision has been taken which will allow for the provision of school transport for post-primary students who were otherwise eligible for transport but are attending their second nearest school and had applied and paid on time; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37962/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 560 and 571 together.
The School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department. 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.
I know what a hugely important service school transport is for families and children. As you are aware my Department commenced a review of the School Transport Scheme in February 2021. The review is being conducted with a view to examining the current scheme, its broader effectiveness and sustainability, and to ensure that it serves students and their families adequately.
The review encompasses the School Transport Scheme for Children with Special Educational Needs and the Primary and Post-Primary School Transport Schemes in terms of how each element of the schemes currently operate, to include eligibility criteria, trends, costs and cost drivers, and overall effectiveness in meeting the objectives of the schemes.
The review will also examine the potential for integration of different strands of the scheme and a more co-ordinated approach with other Government Departments that also use transport services. The review will consider issues such as climate action, supporting rural development and promoting where possible initiatives that encourage walking and cycling to school.
In June 2021, the Steering Group presented me with an initial interim report. Following consideration of this report, I approved temporary alleviation measures for the 2021/2022 school year which allowed for the provision of transport for post-primary students who were otherwise eligible for school transport but were attending their second nearest school and had applied and paid on time.
Wider considerations relating to operation of the scheme are now taking place in the second phase of the review. The Technical Working Group has undertaken extensive consultation over the last number of months; including running a public survey for parents/guardians and students who use the service and those who do not use the service but who would like to. The Group has also consulted with a broad array of stakeholders including schools, special education interest groups, industry representatives and other Government Departments,
A number of meetings have been convened in recent weeks with both the Technical Working Group and the Steering Group with a view to finalising phase 2 of the review.
Decisions in regard to measures for the 2022/23 school year will be made shortly.
The Steering Group will continue to report to me on an interim basis as the review progresses.
