Michael McNamara
Ceist:537. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Education if she will address the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21159/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 28 April 2021
Ceisteanna (537)
Freagraí scríofa
School Transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the current school year over 114,100 children, including over 14,700 children with special educational needs, are transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country at a cost of over €224.7m in 2020.
Based on the public health advice published in early July 2020, and the updated advice received from the HPSC on 7th August and from NPHET on the 18th August 2020, the Department has been planning for School Transport Scheme services for the 2020/2021 school year to fully operate, but with additional measures and hygiene requirements in place and with the rolling implementation of measures on post-primary services as required to provide physical distancing, using 50% of passenger capacity.
Bus Éireann have confirmed that the pupil referred to by the Deputy is currently travelling on a service that now operates a double trip in the afternoons to cater for social distancing. The double trip on its return collects the pupils at 16:20 from the school and drops to the agreed drop off point at 16:30.
Bus Éireann have advised that a new service for social distancing for this service was not an option as there is currently a shortage of vehicles and drivers in the area.
Bus Éireann have further advised that their local office have been in touch with the parent of the child referred to by the Deputy and have advised that a Service Inspector will monitor the service in the coming days.