David Cullinane
Question:1039. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Education if she will address a matter raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39698/22]
View answerTuesday, 26 July 2022
Questions (1039)
Written answers
School 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. The cost in 2021 was over €289m.
Under the terms of the School Transport Scheme children are eligible for transport at post primary level where they reside not less than 4.8 kms from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre as determined by the Department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.
Pupils who are not eligible for school transport may apply for transport on a concessionary basis in accordance with the terms of the School Transport Schemes and subject to a number of terms and conditions.
The closing date for applications for the 2022/23 school year was 29th April 2022. A late application process is available. These late applications will be processed in the normal way and a ticket is not guaranteed. Applications should be made online at www.buseireann.ie\schooltransport.
Any remaining seats left after eligible pupils are accommodated are then allocated to concessionary pupils. Where there is a transport service available, Bus Éireann liaise with families directly regarding ticketing.
The 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 and how it currently operates, its broader effectiveness and sustainability and that it adequately supports the provision of services to students and their families.
Following commencement of this review, the Steering Group presented the Minister with an initial interim report in June 2021. Following consideration of this report, the Minister approved the extension of temporary alleviation measures for the 2021/22 school year for 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 next phase of the review which is currently under way.
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 the second phase 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.