School Transport Applications Data

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 25 October 2017

Wednesday, 25 October 2017

Ceisteanna (91)

Mick Wallace

Ceist:

91. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of eligible students who applied for the 2017/2018 school transport scheme that did not receive a seat; if he is satisfied that the current school transport scheme operated by Bus Éireann is delivering transport for all students eligible throughout Ireland in a fair and transparent manner; if his Department requests information from Bus Éireann on eligible students who have not received seats; if a contingency plan is in place for students who do not receive seats; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45039/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills

School transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department. 

During the 2016/17 school year almost 116,000 children, including some 12,000 children with special educational needs, were transported in over 4,000 vehicles on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country covering over 100 million kilometres annually.

Children are generally eligible for school transport if they satisfy the distance criteria and are attending their nearest school.

Children for whom no transport service is available may, following an application for transport within the prescribed time limits, receive a Remote Area Grant towards the cost of private transport arrangements.

The closing date for receipt of school transport applications is generally the last Friday in April each year.

Bus Éireann has advised that the information requested will be forwarded to the Deputy this week.

Question No. 92 answered with Question No. 68.

Question No. 93 answered with Question No. 90.