Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 February 2019
250. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding school transport for children (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6587/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraSchool transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department.
There are currently over 117,500 children, including over 13,000 children with special educational needs, transported in over 5,000 vehicles on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country covering over 100 million kilometres annually.
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 general, children are eligible for school transport where they reside not less than 3.2 kilometres from and are attending their nearest national school.
A minimum number of 10 eligible children residing in a distinct locality, as determined by Bus Éireann, are required before consideration may be given to the establishment of a school transport service.
Parents of children wishing to apply for school transport may do so on Bus Éireann's website at www.buseireann.ie.
Bus Éireann has advised that applications have not been received for the children referred to by the Deputy.
