Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 September 2016
299. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if there is a policy in place within the school transport system which prohibits the bus provider from providing a bigger bus even where there is demand for the service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27298/16]
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.
Bus Éireann which operates the School Transport Scheme on behalf of my Department is responsible for the procurement of contractors to provide transport services under the School Transport Scheme. Routes, bus sizes, pick up/set down points and timetables are planned on the basis of children who are eligible for school transport only.
