Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 February 2024
58. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Education if supervision should be provided by the school for a child (details supplied) who arrives at school by bus at 8:50 and was told there would not be a teacher there until at least 9am; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9654/24]
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.
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.
I am pleased to advise that my Department has been working closely with Bus Éireann and they are currently in the process of accommodating this pupil on a service which will cater for the pupil's drop off at the school at school opening time.
When this service is established and a start date is available, Bus Éireann will contact the family directly with details.
