Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 September 2022
899. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Education if she will confirm that all drivers, either Bus Éireann or contractors, employed on school transport services are in possession of the appropriate Garda vetting certification; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43116/22]
View answer900. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Education if she will confirm that all drivers, either Bus Éireann or contractors, employed on school transport services have completed the Just A Minute card programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43117/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 899 and 900 together.
School Transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the last school year over 121,400 children, including over 15,500 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 €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.
The safety of children and those on board school transport vehicles is the number one priority for the Department of Education and Bus Éireann.
Bus Éireann is responsible for the procurement of suitable contractors to provide school bus services on its behalf.
Drivers nominated to perform services for contractors operating under contract under the School Transport Scheme, and the contractors themselves, are subject to vetting procedures arranged by Bus Éireann and conducted by the Garda National Vetting Bureau.
