Paul Murphy
Question:504. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Education the amount that will issue to a family (details supplied) in relation to the special transport interim grant; and when the grant will issue. [56690/23]
View answerWednesday, 17 January 2024
Questions (504)
Written answers
The School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the current school year over 161,600 children, including over 135,000 pupils traveling on primary and post primary services, 19,800 pupils with special educational needs, and 6,800 pupils who have arrived to Ireland from Ukraine are transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country.
The total cost of the scheme in 2023 was €382.02m.
There has been an overall increase in both applications and tickets issued for the 2023/2024 school year in comparison to the 2022/2023 school year.
Bus Éireann, who operate the School Transport Schemes on behalf of the Department, has advised a number of difficulties have arisen in putting services in place for the start of the new school year in some localities with a small number of contracted services. However, they are working to ensure that transport arrangements are in place as soon as possible.
The Interim Special Transport Grant has been offered to the family to assist with the cost of alternative transport arrangements for the duration they have been without a school transport service..
The rate of grant payable will be calculated as follows; 39.12 cent per kilometre for the first 6,437 kilometres and 21.22 cent per kilometre thereafter. Transport grants are payable from the date your application was made.
This grant is calculated based on the number of days a child attends school which is confirmed by the school completing a statement of attendance form. This form must be signed by the school principal and forwarded to the School Transport Section in advance of any payment being made. If the family has any queries on the issue they can contact the School Transport Section at school_transport@education.gov.ie.