Cathal Crowe
Question:201. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Education if she will give consideration to a number of measures (details supplied) to tackle the school transport issues in County Clare at present. [43752/23]
View answerTuesday, 10 October 2023
Questions (201)
Written answers
The School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the 2022/2023 school year, over 149,000 children, including over 18,000 children with special educational needs, were transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country. In addition, school transport scheme services were provided for over 5,400 children who have arrived to Ireland from Ukraine.The total cost of the scheme in 2022 was €338.9m.Already over 133,000 tickets have issued for the 2023/2024 school year which is an increase of 12% when compared with the start of the 2022/2023 school year. The number of tickets issued so far has already exceeded the total number of tickets issued in the 2022/23 school year.
In recent weeks, Bus Éireann issued tickets for school transport on bus services that had been secured. Unfortunately a number of difficulties have arisen in some localities involving a small number of contracted services, including a number of services in the Clare region. Bus Éireann is working intensively to ensure that transport arrangements are put in place as soon as possible. The School Transport team is continuing to prioritise arrangements to ensure transport can be sourced and put in place as soon as possible. The Department will continue to liaise with all relevant bodies including the National Transport Authority and will continue to explore all available options for areas where transport is not yet in place.
Bus Éireann manage the operation of the school transport scheme which includes the procurement of contractors for over 94% of routes nationally. Part-time School Bus Drivers and drivers nominated by private operators who operate service as part of the School Transport Scheme may operate on the scheme from age 19 depending on the level of experience, vehicle, and category of licence held. Drivers can continue to perform in the role provided they hold the requisite license and satisfy an annual medical examination until they retire at age 70. This policy and criteria is applied to all drivers who provide school transport services on behalf of Bus Éireann equally.
Individual queries related to social welfare assistance, are a matter for the Department of Social Protection.