Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 January 2024
600. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Education if she will meet with a delegation of parents from Swords, in regard to the provision of a bus to a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1158/24]
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 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.
Under the current terms of the scheme, children are eligible for transport at primary level where they reside not less than 3.2 kilometres from and are attending their nearest national school, and at post primary level where they reside not less than 4.8 kilometres from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre as determined by the Department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language. Any children who do not meet these criteria are deemed not eligible, or otherwise known as concessionary applicants, and are allocated a ticket based on the availability of a seat when all eligible children have been catered for.
At Post Primary level, eligibility for school transport is to the nearest education centre/school, subject to limited exceptions. The scheme has regard to ethos and language in that exceptions to eligibility for the scheme are considered in the case of minority religions and the Irish language.
A minimum number of 10 eligible children residing in a distinct locality as determined by Bus Éireann, is required before consideration can be given to the establishment of a school transport service.
Bus Éireann have advised that generally pupils residing in the Swords area are not eligible for transport to the school mentioned by the Deputy as they reside to nearer schools and are attending their 3rd or 4th nearest school.
Meeting requests can be submitted formally through the Minister's Office, Department of Education, Marlborough Street, Dublin 1. minister@education.gov.ie.
