Thomas Gould
Question:320. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Education for an update on the provision of an additional school bus for a school (details supplied).; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21527/24]
View answerTuesday, 14 May 2024
Questions (320)
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 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.
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.
Temporary Alleviation Measures (TAMs) at post-primary level are continued for the current school year. Under these measures, transport will be provided where there is a route in operation and where capacity exists for concessionary post-primary pupils who are eligible for transport to their nearest school and are attending their second nearest school and who applied and paid on time.
Children who are not eligible for school transport may apply for transport on a concessionary basis only and will be facilitated where spare seats are available after eligible children have been accommodated. Where the number of ineligible children exceeds the number of spare seats available Bus Éireann will allocate tickets for the spare seats using an agreed selection process.
Bus Eireann advises that four services operate to the school referred to by the Deputy in the 2023/24 school year. These services carry 148 pupils who are a mix of eligible, concessionary and TAMs. In total 66 pupils were not successful in obtaining a ticket for the 2023/24 school year. This number was made up of late applications, late payments and concessionary pupils.
On time payments are still being accepted until 07 June 2024 for the 24/25 school year. After this date all applications will be processed and tickets will be issued in line with the guidelines of the school transport scheme.