Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 September 2016
301. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he has reviewed the school transport situation in County Sligo whereby a number of students travelling to schools (details supplied) have been refused school transport; his plans to rectify the situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27300/16]
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.
In general, children are eligible for school transport if they meet the distance criterion and are attending their nearest school.
Children who are not eligible for school transport may apply for transport on a concessionary basis subject to a number of terms and conditions that are detailed in the scheme. The availability of concessionary transport may vary from year to year.
Bus Éireann 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.
The closing date for receipt of payments for school transport was 29th July 2016. Children for whom late payments are received cannot be guaranteed a seat on a school transport service.
Seats for concessionary applicants are allocated after all eligible children who make payments on time have been accommodated on school transport services. This exercise normally takes place after the closing date for receipt of payments. Where seats are limited a random selection process is used.
The terms of the Scheme are applied equitably on a national basis.
