Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 May 2024
276. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Education if he is concerned that school bus drivers (details supplied) have paid into an occupational pension with Bus Éireann for which they cannot access any information; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21788/24]
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 travelling 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.
The School Transport Scheme is operated using a mix of Bus Éireann owned vehicles and privately owned contractor vehicles under contract to Bus Éireann.
Bus Éireann is responsible for the employment, terms and conditions including pension entitlements for staff employed directly through Bus Éireann. The details of this query has been forwarded to Bus Éireann for their attention and direct reply.
