School Transport

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 October 2018

Tuesday, 9 October 2018

Ceisteanna (83)

Eamon Scanlon

Ceist:

83. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Education and Skills when a school transport service will be provided for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40600/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills (Deputy John Halligan)

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 over 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.

My Department is seeking additional information in relation to this case and Bus Éireann will liaise directly with the family when this information is received.