Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 September 2016
294. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason a person (details supplied) has been refused school transport; if he will include this case in the review of the school transport scheme; the arrangements which could be made to provide the child with school transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27293/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraSchool transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department.
During the 2015/16 school year in the region of 114,000 children, including some 10,000 children with special educational needs, were transported in approximately 4,000 vehicles on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country covering over 100 million kilometres annually.
The child referred to by the Deputy is eligible for school transport under the terms of my Department's Primary School Transport Scheme.
The closing date for receipt of payments for school transport was 29th July 2016. Bus Éireann has advised that payment details for this child were submitted after the deadline date and at that time the service was operating to capacity.
They also advise that a ticket for this service has since been returned making a seat available. Bus Éireann have advised that they are now in the process of issuing a ticket for the child referred to.
