Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 May 2019
237. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on a matter regarding a person (details supplied); when Bus Éireann will be notified of a decision relating to a home pick-up; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21420/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraSchool transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of my 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.
Bus Éireann is responsible for the planning and timetabling of school transport routes. Bus Éireann endeavours, within available resources, to ensure that each eligible child has a reasonable level of school transport service in the context of the Scheme nationally.
Where practicable, and subject to considerations of cost and logistics, routes are planned to avoid an eligible child having to travel more than 2.4 kilometres to or from a pick up/set down point. Bus Éireann has advised that the family in question is currently being offered a service within the above guidelines.
It is the responsibility of parents to ensure that their children are brought safely to, and collected safely from, the designated Bus Éireann pick up and set down point.
The family should liaise with their local Bus Éireann office regarding the pick-up and set-down point for the 2019/20 school year.
