Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 July 2022
1086. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Education if there are plans to increase capacity in the school transport system to account for increased demand through the late application system as a result of high petrol and diesel prices, as well as the waiving of school transport fees; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40533/22]
View answer1102. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Education if she has expanded the number of seats available on routes for school transport on foot of the announcement that the fee will be waived. [40833/22]
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.
As you are aware, I recently announced initiatives to assist families with back to school costs. In recognition that this is an expensive time of year for families, I have put in place measures worth over €17m which will ensure free school transport for families availing of the school transport scheme in the 2022/2023 school year. This measure will provide families with savings of up to €500 on the cost of tickets.
All children who are eligible for school transport and who complete the application process on time and who proceed to confirm to Bus Éireann that they require a ticket by the 29th July 2022 will be accommodated on school transport services for the 2022/23 school year where such services are in operation. The closing date for application for the 2022/23 school year was Friday 29th April 2022.
Late applicants are not guaranteed a seat and will only be allocated a seat if capacity is available.
The school transport scheme is a demand led scheme operated by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. Bus Éireann review all school transport services over the summer months. Arising from this review, routes may be altered, extended or withdrawn depending on the number and location of eligible children who will be availing of school transport for the following school year.
As the scheme is demand led, it is not possible to predict the numbers of students that will require transport for the 2022/2023 school year. The Bus Éireann family portal remains open until 29th July 2022 so that families can confirm whether they require a school transport service for the school year ahead.
