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School Transport Provision

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 October 2018

Tuesday, 9 October 2018

Ceisteanna (109)

Bobby Aylward

Ceist:

109. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the delays in the payment of the bus escort grant to school (details supplied) and the subsequent difficulties the current situation is causing for the students, the majority of whom have moderate to severe learning disabilities, and for the management and staff; the steps he has taken to address this matter; the number of schools nationwide which are awaiting delayed payment of the bus escort grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40892/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

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

The purpose of my Department's School Transport Scheme is, having regard to available resources, to support the transport to and from school of children who reside remote from their nearest school.

In the 2017/18 school year more than 117,000 children, including over 12,000 children with special educational needs, were transported in over 4,500 vehicles on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country covering over 100 million kilometres annually at a total cost of almost €190 million in 2017.

Funding for school transport escorts is being processed and over 450 schools will have received advance payment for the 2018/19 school year by 10th October 2018.

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