Léim ar aghaidh chuig an bpríomhábhar
Gnáthamharc

School Transport

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 October 2020

Thursday, 15 October 2020

Ceisteanna (200)

John McGuinness

Ceist:

200. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Education if school transport will be provided in an area for persons (details supplied); her plans to provide a direct service from the general location of the homes of the persons; the reason this transport issue has not been resolved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30826/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

School Transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the 2019/20 school year over 120,000 children, including over 14,200 children with special educational needs, were transported in over 5,000 vehicles on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country covering over 100 million kilometres at a cost of over €219m in 2019.

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.

Under the terms of the School Transport Scheme Primary children are eligible for transport where they reside not less than 3.2 kms from and are attending their nearest national school as determined by the Department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.

Bus Éireann has confirmed that an extension to an existing school transport service is being put in place. Bus Éireann has also confirmed that they will be in contact with the families concerned to advise them of their transport arrangements.

Barr
Roinn