Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 October 2022
250. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Education her views on matters raised in correspondence (details supplied) in respect of possible training requirements for school escorts; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50788/22]
View answerThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department. 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 Department of Education issues grant funding to schools for the employment of School Bus Escorts. School bus escorts are employed by each school through School Management Authorities. They are employed on board a school transport service provided through Bus Éireann where the child’s care and safety needs while on board the school transport are such as they require the support of an escort.
The school through School Management Authorities as the employer of the School Bus Escort is responsible for all matters relating to the employment of the escort and for their terms and conditions of employment.
