Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 January 2023
801. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Education when the school transport division will provide school transport and tickets for students (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2115/23]
View answerThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the current school year over 147,900 children, including over 18,000 children with special educational needs, are transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country.
In addition, school transport scheme services are being provided in the current school year for over 3,800 children who have arrived to Ireland from Ukraine.
The total cost of the scheme in 2022 was €332.2m.
In general, children are eligible for school transport if they satisfy the distance criteria (3.2km at primary level and 4.8km at post-primary level) and are attending their nearest school having regard to ethos and language.
Applications for children resident in Direct Provision, who wish to avail of school transport must be made to Bus Éireann. Applications are made on behalf of these students by TUSLA to the relevant local Bus Éireann office.
The general terms of the Primary/Post Primary School Transport Scheme will apply however;
1. The distance eligibility criteria of 3.2 kilometres (Primary) or 4.8 kilometres (Post Primary) will be waived
2. Children who are attending their nearest school, having regard to ethos and language, in which a placement was found at the time of their first enrolment will be eligible for school transport.
School Transport Section have recently been made aware of these students and Bus Éireann have been informed.
