Paul Murphy
Question:153. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Education the reason bus transport has not been provided to students enrolled at schools (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45561/23]
View answerWednesday, 18 October 2023
Questions (153)
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.
The majority of transport services for children residing in International Protection Accommodation Centres are provided with school transport on dedicated services operating to and from accommodation centres, or are accommodated on existing mainstream services.
Bus Éireann can only begin to process the application for transport once they have been made aware of transport needs. Applications are submitted from REALT co-ordinators and TUSLA to Bus Éireann directly. Every effort is made to ensure school transport services are up and running as they are required. However, given the reported challenges in sourcing contractors/drivers in certain areas for the 2023/24 school year, it may in some cases take time to arrange services for families.
Bus Éireann has advised they received 7 applications on 13th October 2023 for children residing in the residence referred to by the Deputy to the school referred and they are currently assessing transport options for these children. Bus Éireann organise all transport provision for children eligible for school transport under the scheme. This includes the procurement of contractors to provide these services in line with procurement legislation while ensuring that health, safety, and child protection safeguards are met. Bus Éireann have advised that contractors can apply to become a school transport provider by visiting their website: buseireann.ie/schooltransport. Becoming a School Transport Provider - Bus Éireann - View Ireland Bus and Coach Timetables & Buy Tickets (buseireann.ie)